To seek first the kingdom of God is to prioritize the reign of Christ over your life through faith in the gospel, trusting that your heavenly Father will provide for your earthly needs. It is a call to shift your focus from temporal anxieties to the eternal reality of Christ's rule, finding your security in Him rather than in material possessions.
In Matthew 6:33, Jesus addresses the root cause of our anxiety: a heart that seeks security in the things of this world rather than in the sovereignty of the Father. Seeking His kingdom means desiring for God’s rule to be established in your heart and in the world through the gospel. As noted in the Large Catechism, this is not merely a request for physical provisions, but a petition for the eternal treasures of grace, righteousness, and life in Christ. When we place His kingdom at the center of our desires, we are freed from the frantic search for security that characterizes the world, resting in the promise that our Father knows our needs and will surely provide.
The command to 'seek first' is preceded by a promise: our heavenly Father feeds the birds and clothes the lilies, and He values you far more than these (Matthew 6:26). Our tendency is to worry about what we shall eat or wear, yet Jesus reminds us that such anxiety stems from 'little faith' (Matthew 6:31-32). By trusting in the gospel, we are reminded that we are more accepted and loved in Christ than we ever dared hope. Because He has already given us His own Son for our redemption, we can be confident He will not withhold what is necessary for our daily sustenance as we walk in obedience to Him.