Seek First the Kingdom: The True Meaning of "These Things Will Be Added to You"

The words of Jesus Christ recorded in Matthew 6:33 have become one of the most quoted scriptures in modern Christianity: "But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you." This simple yet profound verse carries a depth of meaning that has been either misunderstood or manipulated by many who claim to follow Christ. While its intention is clear to those who earnestly seek God, the interpretation has been twisted by the world, especially within the walls of modern churches influenced by consumerism, self-centered theology, and the prosperity gospel.

At its core, this verse calls believers to prioritize God and His righteousness above everything else. The promise that "these things will be added to you" does not imply a life of abundance in terms of material possessions, nor is it a blank check from heaven guaranteeing earthly success. Instead, it points to a deeper spiritual truth. God will provide what is necessary for those who are truly committed to Him, and their reward lies not in what can be seen but in the eternal treasures that cannot be taken away.

In today's world, however, countless so-called believers have allowed themselves to become entangled in worldly pleasures. Their lives reflect more concern for acquiring wealth, fame, and comfort than they do for helping others, supporting the preaching of the gospel, or pursuing anything godly. Even worse, many use scriptures like Matthew 6:33 to justify their desires, believing that their pursuit of material wealth is a sign of divine favor.

This article is written to shine a light on the truth of Matthew 6:33, debunk false teachings, and call believers back to a genuine, kingdom-focused faith that mirrors the teachings and lifestyle of Jesus Christ.

The context of Matthew 6:33 is deeply rooted in the Sermon on the Mount, where Jesus addresses the concerns of everyday life. He speaks to people who are worried about their basic needs such as food, drink, and clothing. Instead of scolding them, He gently redirects their focus from anxiety to faith. He points to the birds of the air and the lilies of the field, reminding His listeners that God cares for them deeply. If God provides for the birds and flowers, how much more will He provide for His children? But Jesus does not stop at simply reassuring them that God will take care of their needs. He delivers a divine strategy for a worry-free life: seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness. In doing so, all the things they worry about will be added to them. The emphasis is not on the things but on the kingdom.

When Jesus says, "these things will be added to you," He is not speaking about wealth, luxury, or fame. The "things" refer to the necessities of life, not the extravagances. Food, drink, and clothing are the basic needs of survival, and Jesus assures His followers that if they prioritize the kingdom of God, they need not worry about these essentials. This verse is not a formula for financial prosperity. It is a declaration of God's faithfulness to those who live for His purposes.

The prosperity gospel has dangerously perverted the message of Matthew 6:33. By teaching that God guarantees material wealth to those who give financially to certain ministries or leaders, this movement distorts the character of God and the message of Jesus. It places the focus on receiving rather than on giving, on earthly gain rather than eternal reward. The prosperity gospel turns God into a vending machine where faith becomes a currency for transactions rather than a relationship grounded in trust and obedience.

True Christian faith does not revolve around what God can give us in terms of material wealth. Rather, it revolves around who God is, and how we can serve Him and others through the life He has given us. The promises of Scripture are not to be used as tools for personal enrichment but as reminders of God’s sovereign provision for His people to fulfill His will. God provides so that we can carry out His purpose, not so that we can indulge in excess.

When we study the lives of the apostles and early Christians, it becomes abundantly clear that God never promised a life of ease or riches to His followers. On the contrary, many faced persecution, poverty, and suffering. The apostle Paul, one of the most faithful servants of God, was often in prison, hungry, and beaten. Yet he considered these trials a joy because they brought him closer to Christ and allowed him to participate in the suffering of his Savior. His contentment was not in earthly things but in his unshakable relationship with God.

Earthly treasure is fleeting. It can be stolen, destroyed, or lost. Eternal treasure, on the other hand, is secure and imperishable. When Jesus calls us to seek the kingdom first, He is urging us to invest in what will last forever. That includes our relationship with Him, our obedience to His word, our love for others, and our service to the church and the poor. These are the treasures that moth and rust cannot destroy.

Modern believers often find themselves trapped in the pursuit of worldly pleasures. Social media, advertising, and the culture of consumerism feed the desire for more. Many believers spend more time and energy trying to upgrade their lifestyle than they do pursuing God. The result is a shallow faith that is easily shaken, a church that mirrors the world more than it reflects Christ. God is calling His people to come out from among them and be separate, to live holy lives marked by contentment, generosity, and purpose.

Helping others, especially those who preach the truth, is not optional for the believer. The New Testament repeatedly emphasizes the importance of supporting gospel work and caring for the poor. When we give to those in need and support the preaching of the gospel, we are storing up treasures in heaven. We become conduits of God's blessing, and in doing so, we reflect His heart.

God’s provision is real, but it is tied to our willingness to live for Him and not for ourselves. He gives us what we need to accomplish His purpose. Sometimes that includes abundance, and other times it includes lack. In either situation, our responsibility remains the same: to trust Him and seek His kingdom above all else. Our faith must be anchored in who God is, not in what He gives.

The Bible is filled with stories of faithful men and women who lived in lack but were rich in faith. The widow who gave her last coin, the disciples who left everything to follow Jesus, the prophets who were ridiculed and cast out. These were not failures in God's eyes. They were His heroes. Their treasure was not in their wallets but in their hearts.

Seeking the kingdom of God in everyday life means putting Him first in every decision, relationship, and activity. It means being led by the Spirit, guided by the Word, and motivated by love. It means giving generously, forgiving freely, serving faithfully, and living humbly. It means saying no to the world’s values and yes to God’s priorities.

False preachers who twist Scripture to suit their agendas must be called out. They lead people astray and cause many to stumble. The church must be bold in proclaiming the truth, even when it is unpopular. The role of spiritual leaders is not to entertain or enrich themselves, but to equip the saints and shepherd the flock.

The road to the kingdom is narrow, and it often includes sacrifice and suffering. But Jesus never promised us ease. He promised us eternal life, peace that passes understanding, and joy in His presence. These are the true blessings that come from seeking the kingdom first.

God’s economy is not like the world’s. In His kingdom, the greatest are the servants. The rich are those who give the most. The first are last, and the last are first. When we live according to His values, we experience a freedom and fulfillment that money can never buy.

God rewards the heart that is fully His. Not with mansions or millions, but with Himself. And that is the greatest treasure of all. When we seek Him, we find Him. And when we find Him, we realize that nothing else compares.

So let us return to the simplicity of the gospel. Let us seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness. Let us stop chasing the wind and start pursuing eternity. Let us stop serving ourselves and start serving others. Let us be known not for what we have but for who we follow. And let us believe, with all our hearts, that our Father in heaven knows what we need and will never fail to provide it.

But rather seek ye the kingdom of God; and all these things shall be added unto you. Luke 12:31