Aligning Our Priorities with God's Kingdom

"Our life is the sum total of all the decisions we make every day, and those decisions are determined by our priorities." – Dr. Myles Munroe

Many people today have their priorities in the wrong place. From an early age, children are unknowingly taught to focus on the wrong things, often by well-meaning parents. This can set them up for a lifetime of chasing after things that will never truly satisfy, trying to fill a void in their soul that only God can fill.

In pursuit of stability and success, many people work multiple jobs to provide for their basic needs—water, food, clothing, shelter, security, and a sense of significance. The well-known psychologist Abraham Maslow developed a hierarchy of needs that describes these fundamental human motivations. While it is true that we need these things to survive, God had already established what our priorities should be when He created us. He wants more for us than just survival; He wants us to live with divine purpose!

The truth is, every believer who has come to Jesus did so because of an unfulfilled need. God, in His infinite wisdom, knew His plan for each of us before we were even formed. As believers, it is essential to understand and align ourselves with His plan rather than delay or ignore it.

One of Jesus’ first teachings was about priorities. As He addressed the crowds, He focused on one central truth: the Kingdom of God. In Matthew 6, Jesus teaches us not to worry about what we will eat, drink, or wear. He points out that many people, both then and now, are consumed with seeking power, prestige, and purpose—not for the good of others, but for their own gain and control. We see these same behavior patterns today, especially through social media and other platforms where people seek validation and status.

But Jesus came to set the record straight. He commands us:

"Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and He will give you everything you need." – Matthew 6:33 (NLT)

When life becomes overwhelming and your priorities begin to shift in the wrong direction, causing stress, anxiety, and fear, pause and evaluate: Are your priorities aligned with God’s will? Jesus’ statement in Matthew 6:33 is one of the most powerful reminders of what should come first in your life. Seeking God's Kingdom is not just a suggestion—it is a command that holds the key to a fulfilled life.

Prioritize living according to His Word, obeying Him, and aligning your heart with His will. When you do this, it impacts every area of your life. Jesus taught that the Kingdom is more important than your basic needs, not because those needs are unimportant, but because He wants you to understand that in the Kingdom, all your needs will be met. I encourage you to read the entire chapter of Matthew 6 to grasp the depth of this teaching.

If everything you strive for, work for, and live for can be found in the Kingdom, then you must allow God to transform your mindset. Perhaps the stress, frustration, and unnecessary hardships you've experienced are a result of misaligned priorities.

Reflection: Am I truly seeking God's Kingdom first, or have I placed my trust in things that will ultimately fade away?

As a believer, your daily life and actions must reflect your faith in God, His Son Jesus, and His Holy Spirit. Be intentional about aligning your priorities with His divine plan for you.

Prayer:

Father, thank You for reminding me to seek first Your Kingdom above all else. Help me to align my priorities with Your will, trusting that You will provide everything I need. When I am tempted to focus on the things of this world, draw my heart back to You. Give me the wisdom and strength to live according to Your Word, knowing that true fulfillment is found in You alone. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Be blessed,

Dee Davis