Seek First the Kingdom

Choosing God’s Way

“But seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness,

 and all these things will be added unto you.”

Matthew 6:33 

Jeremiah confronted a people whose ambitions had turned away from God toward money, power, and pleasure. Leaders and prophets alike were corrupt, their houses “full of deceit” while the poor and vulnerable were neglected (Jer. 5:27–28). Instead of seeking truth, not one could be found who dealt honestly (Jer. 5:1). Matthew Henry observes that “sin blinds the eyes and hardens the heart… those who will not hear God’s words shall be made to feel His rod.” Their misdirected ambition left them self-assured but spiritually bankrupt, heading toward inevitable judgment.

Alexander Maclaren rightly says, “The root of sin is the preference of self to God.” Judah’s pursuit of wealth and power blinded them to what God required—justice, mercy, and humility before God (Micah 6:8). Jeremiah warned that their misplaced ambitions would bring only disaster: foreign armies would strip their land bare, their cities would lie in ruins, and their false securities would crumble (Jer. 4:19–27; 5:15–17). Eugene Peterson reminds us that the prophet’s role is not to reassure but to press home God’s presence as the reality we must reckon with. When ambition neglects justice, mercy, and humility, it leads only to collapse.

God’s warning through Jeremiah is timeless. Today, we are just as tempted to misdirect ambition—toward careers, status, possessions, or influence—while neglecting truth, justice, and care for the weak. But God still calls His people to holy ambition: to know Him, to speak His Word, and to live in a way that reflects His heart for the world. Jesus made this clear when He said, “Seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well” (Matt. 6:33). He also warned, “What good will it be for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul?” (Matt. 16:26). True ambition is not self-glory, but a life shaped by Christ’s kingdom—walking humbly with God, doing justice, and loving mercy.

 Prayer

Lord, purify my ambitions. Keep me from chasing empty gain and worldly glory. Teach me to walk humbly with You, to love mercy, and to do justice. May my life reflect Your heart, and may my words carry the fire of Your truth. Amen.