God’s Blueprint for Success
Scripture Focus:
“But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.”
— Matthew 6:33 (NIV)
Devotional Teaching
What does it mean to truly live a successful life? Is it measured by wealth, status, or security? Jesus offers a radically different blueprint in Matthew 6:33: prioritize God’s Kingdom first—and everything else will follow.
This verse isn’t just a suggestion—it’s a spiritual principle. It’s a promise from the One who created the universe: If you put Me first, I’ll take care of the rest.
In a culture obsessed with self-made success, Jesus redirects us to God-made alignment. When your focus is Kingdom-first, everything else finds its rightful place—your purpose, your provision, your peace.
1. Seeking First: What It Really Means
“But seek first his kingdom…”
To seek something means to:
- Pursue it consistently
- Prioritize it over other things
- Make it your focus
When Jesus says “seek first,” He’s not just referring to Sunday mornings or emergency prayers. He’s talking about a lifestyle where God’s rule and reign shape every decision:
- How you spend your time
- How you manage your money
- How you treat people
- What goals you pursue
His kingdom means His authority, His values, His presence, His mission.
To seek first the Kingdom means:
- You ask, “How can I honor God in this?”
- You obey even when it’s inconvenient
- You prioritize eternal impact over temporary success
2. And His Righteousness
“…and his righteousness…”
This isn’t about earning salvation—we’re made righteous through Christ alone. But righteousness here means right living—living in alignment with God’s standards.
It means:
- Walking in integrity
- Keeping your heart pure
- Being quick to forgive and slow to judge
- Obeying God’s Word even when it costs you
When we seek His righteousness, we’re choosing to live God’s way, not just our way with a spiritual twist.
3. “All These Things Will Be Given to You”
“…and all these things will be given to you as well.”
What are “all these things”? In the context of Matthew 6, Jesus is talking about the basic needs of life—food, clothing, shelter, peace of mind.
He’s saying:
- Stop stressing over provision
- Stop worrying about the future
- Stop trying to control what only God can handle
When you seek God first, He becomes your Source. Your job may be a resource, but God is your ultimate provider.
You don’t have to chase blessings—they’ll follow you when you chase Him.
Psalm 34:10 reinforces this:
“Those who seek the Lord lack no good thing.”
4. Why This Order Matters
Jesus didn’t say:
- “Seek success, and then make time for God.”
- “Pursue your goals, then ask Me to bless them.”
- “Worry about everything, and I’ll catch up.”
He said: “Seek first.” This is about priority, not placement.
When God is first:
- You stop being driven by fear
- You start making decisions with clarity
- Your spirit is at peace even when life is in transition
Right order leads to right outcomes. If God isn’t first, everything else is out of alignment.
5. Practical Ways to Seek First the Kingdom
Here’s how to live out Matthew 6:33 daily:
- Start your day in prayer and Scripture before touching your phone or to-do list
- Tithe and give regularly, acknowledging God as your source
- Make decisions based on obedience, not just opportunity
- Serve in your church or community with Kingdom-minded intention
- Ask God before committing to new ventures or partnerships
Seeking first is a posture of the heart and a pattern of your life.
Reflection & Workbook Section
🟦 Personal Reflection Questions:
- What area of my life have I been seeking before God’s Kingdom?
- How has putting God first impacted my peace, clarity, or relationships?
- Is my current lifestyle aligned with Kingdom values—or worldly ones?
- What does “His righteousness” look like in my daily habits and choices?
🟨 Journal Prompt:
Write a prayer or declaration placing God first in every area of your life—finances, relationships, goals, and dreams. Be specific. Invite the Holy Spirit to expose anything that has taken priority over Him. Then write down what you feel He is asking you to seek more intentionally this week.
🟩 Action Step Challenge:
Kingdom First Challenge – 7 Days
Each morning:
- Read Matthew 6:33 aloud
- Ask: “How can I seek God’s Kingdom first today?”
- Write one action you’ll take to live that out (i.e., pray before a meeting, tithe, help someone in need, choose honesty, etc.)
Each evening:
- Reflect on how that act shifted your mindset and allowed you to walk in peace and purpose.
Closing Prayer:
Heavenly Father,
I surrender my desire for control, comfort, and personal success. I choose today to seek first Your Kingdom and Your righteousness. Show me where I’ve been chasing lesser things. Redirect my heart to prioritize what matters most. Align my life with Your will and fill me with trust that You’ll take care of every need. Let my success be measured by faithfulness to You above all else.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Final Thought:
When you chase God first, everything else falls into place. Matthew 6:33 isn’t a formula—it’s freedom. Seek His Kingdom first, and trust that He will take care of the rest.