Seeking the Kingdom of God: From Religion to Relationship

Seeking the Kingdom of God transformed my Christian walk from duty to delight — and it can transform yours too. For years, I read the words of Jesus in Matthew 6:33, "Seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you," without truly understanding what this meant. I thought I was doing all the right things, yet something vital was missing — my spiritual life felt more like a duty, not a delight. If you've ever felt that way, this article is for you!

If you've ever sensed there's more to faith than religious routines, you're about to discover what changes everything. This isn't about adding more spiritual tasks to your to-do list; it's about a perspective shift that unlocks the power, peace, and purpose God has waiting for you right now. Get ready to move from religious obligation to Kingdom transformation.

What is the "Kingdom of God," Really?

By Don Bell | ⏱️ 6 minute read

Before we can seek it, we have to understand what it is. For many, the "Kingdom of God" sounds like a distant place — Heaven. But, Jesus spoke about it as a present reality here on Earth.

• Religion Says: The Kingdom is a future reward you earn by following the rules.
• Kingdom Living Says: The Kingdom of God is His active reign and rule in your life today. It is the reality of God's will being done on earth, in your heart, as it is in Heaven.

Here's what changed things for me when it came to seeking the Kingdom of God. Jesus made it crystal clear: "'The kingdom of God does not come with observation; nor will they say, "See here!" or "See there!" For indeed, the kingdom of God is WITHIN YOU'" (Luke 17:20–21, emphasis added).

The Kingdom is a spiritual reality we can access now through our relationship with Him. Seeking the Kingdom, therefore, isn't about trying to get "to" a place; it's about bringing that place's reality into our daily lives.

Jesus went on to say, "'The law and the prophets were until John. Since that time the kingdom of God has been preached, and EVERYONE IS PRESSING INTO IT'" (Luke 16:16, emphasis added).

By pressing into the Kingdom and being led by the Holy Spirit, we proclaim the Gospel of the Kingdom while manifesting the Kingdom's present and future aspects. Through our actions, we witness the rebirth of lives touched by God's power, and the advancement of the Kingdom to overcome Satan's dominion over Earth.

Matthew 6:33: Your Blueprint for Kingdom Living

This single verse — Matthew 6:33 — is a roadmap to a life free from anxiety. Jesus gives this command right after telling us not to worry about our food, our clothes, or our future. Let's break it down.

• "But seek first...": This is a command of priority. It means to make this search the central focus of your thoughts, your ambitions, and your heart. It's not about seeking the Kingdom "only," but seeking it "first."
• "...the kingdom of God...": As we just saw, this is God's active rule and reign. It means prioritizing His will, His way of doing things, and His perspective above our own.
• "...and his righteousness...": This is crucial. It's not our own righteousness, which comes from rule-following. It is the righteousness we receive as a free gift through faith in Jesus. Seeking His righteousness means living in right-standing with God, empowered by the Holy Spirit, not by our own efforts.
• "...and all these things will be added to you.": This is the promise. When we get our priorities right, God takes care of our needs.

7 Practical Steps to Seeking the Kingdom of God

This is where the frustration often sets in. What does "seeking" actually look like on a typical Monday morning when you're stressed about work and finances and relationships? It's more practical than you think.

1. Change your Mindset

Your job, your family, your chores, and your entertainments are not distractions from your spiritual life — they are the very arena in which God has given you to live it out. Change your mindset from "How can I get through this day?" to "How can I bring God's Kingdom into this situation?" Whether you're writing an email, washing the dishes, or dining out with friends, do it with an awareness of His presence.

2. Cultivate a Kingdom Appetite

You seek what you value. To seek God's Kingdom, you must cultivate a hunger for it. Spend time in prayer, read His Word, and fellowship with other believers who are on the same path. What you feed your spirit will determine what you seek and value.

3. Seek His Presence

Start your day by dedicating the first moments to God. Before you check your phone or worry about your to-do list, simply turn your heart toward Him. This isn't about a long prayer session; it can be as simple as saying, "Good morning, Lord. I invite your Kingdom into my day." Spend time in His presence.

4. Consult the King

Seeking His reign means consulting the King. For every major (and minor) decision, practice pausing and asking:

• "God, what is your perspective on this?"
• "Is this choice aligned with your character?"
• "Which path would bring you more glory?"

5. Seek Kingdom Awareness

Go beyond praying "Thy Kingdom come": Sit quietly and ask God to reveal the Kingdom that's already present within you. Notice what shifts in your awareness. Notice any peace or sudden clarity that comes.

6. Realign Quickly When needed

Scripture tells us, "Jesus came to Galilee, preaching the gospel of the Kingdom of God, and saying, 'The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand. REPENT, and believe in the gospel'" (Mark 1:14–15, emphasis added).

But, here's what religion won't tell you: The Greek word μετανοέω (metanoeō) translated as "repent" doesn't mean groveling in guilt. True repentance is about "realignment," not shame. When you realize your thoughts or actions are out of line with the Kingdom, simply agree with God, turn back to His way, and thank Him for His forgiveness — this keeps your heart open to His leading.

7. Celebrate His Reign

Seeking culminates in celebration. When you recognize God's Kingdom operating in and through your life, worship becomes the natural response that deepens your connection to His reign.

"Your saints shall bless You. They shall speak of the glory of Your kingdom, and talk of Your power, to make known to the sons of men His mighty acts, and the glorious majesty of His kingdom" (Psalm 145:10–12).

Persevering When Your Kingdom Journey Feels Slow

You may be thinking, "I've tried this, and I still feel stuck." Seeking is a process, not a one-time event. There were seasons in my own life where it felt like little or nothing was happening.

Remember, God is a relational Father; He's not transactional. The goal of seeking His Kingdom is not just to get "all these things" added to you. He already knows what you need. The primary reward of seeking the King is the King Himself. He is more interested in your heart's transformation than in instantly fixing your problems. Stay persistent. Your breakthrough is often on the other side of your desire to quit.

The Transforming Power of the Kingdom

Seeking the Kingdom of God transforms ordinary believers into vessels of divine purpose. This transformation opens the door to daily encounters with God, activates spiritual gifts you didn't know you had, and empowers you to partner with the Holy Spirit to see His Kingdom transform ordinary moments into divine appointments.

Your Kingdom Adventure Begins Now

Seeking the Kingdom of God is the most rewarding adventure you will ever embark on. It is a lifetime journey of letting go of your own efforts and learning to rest in His power. It is the path to a life where you are guided by His wisdom, sustained by His peace, and provided for by His riches. Don't let it become a religious duty. Let it be your daily delight.

Remember, when seeking the Kingdom of God, you're not seeking a future Kingdom. You're discovering the Kingdom that Jesus says is already within you, waiting to be revealed through your surrendered life.

Begin your adventure now!

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About the Author

Don Bell is the creator of the Kingdom Anointing website, and a dedicated follower of Jesus Christ. He shares insights from his spiritual journey to encourage ordinary believers to seek God's Kingdom and lead extraordinary lives in the Holy Spirit.

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Hi, I'm Don, and my prayer is Kingdom Anointing™ will help you build faith, walk confidently in the nine gifts of the Holy Spirit, and realize your full potential in the Kingdom of God.