In Matthew 6:33, Jesus Christ gave what could be argued is the most important instruction for Christians: “Seek you first the Kingdom of God, and His righteousness…”

The word first means just what you would expect. It is translated from the Greek word proton, meaning “firstly (in time, place, order, or importance)” (Strong’s Concordance). No greater goal exists for a Christian than looking for and seeking after the Kingdom of God—an eternal place in God’s ruling Family.

This is achieved by accepting Christ’s sacrifice and developing God’s very nature.

Note that Jesus’ command is twofold. It involves seeking the Kingdom and His righteousness.

A Christian must pursue God’s righteousness—His character—which is developed by living His way of life. Psalm 119 explains “all Your commandments are righteousness” (vs. 172). The apostle Paul clarified further by explaining to Timothy, “that from a child you have known the holy scriptures, which are able to make you wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: that the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works” (II Tim. 3:15-17).

Put plainly, the Bible tells us how to live in pursuit of the Kingdom of God—the ultimate goal we must seek.

True Christians are intently focused on this soon-coming Kingdom. It motivates and drives their lives as they await it. This has always been the case, with even the early Church anticipating the Kingdom some 2,000 years ago.

Christ’s Central Message

Everywhere Christ went, His message was the same. He instructed listeners to “Repent: for the Kingdom of heaven is at hand” (Matt. 4:17).

It is the same message He commissioned the apostles to proclaim: “As you go, preach, saying, the Kingdom of heaven is at hand” (10:7).

Luke 4 is plain. Bringing this news of the Kingdom—and of course how to enter it—was Christ’s chief mission: “And He said unto them, I must preach the Kingdom of God to other cities also: for therefore am I sent” (vs. 43).

This is the gospel, meaning good news, which is why it is called “the gospel of the Kingdom of God.”

The apostle Peter explained God has “begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fades not away” (I Pet. 1:3-4)—a permanent place in the Kingdom of God!

This is “the end of your faith, even the salvation of your souls” (vs. 9).

The Kingdom has been the focus of not only the early Church through the present, but also of those in Old Testament times.

Continuing in verses 10 and 11, Peter states, “Of which salvation the prophets have inquired and searched diligently, who prophesied of the grace that should come unto you: searching what, or what manner of time the Spirit of Christ which was in them did signify, when it testified beforehand the sufferings of Christ, and the glory that should follow.”

Note that they were focused on the what—the nature of salvation—and the when—“what manner of time”—of prophecy. Put plainly, they “inquired and searched diligently” to fully understand both salvation, and when it would arrive!

God’s true Church bears many hallmarks. A unique focus on the Kingdom of God and its arrival is one of them. After all, this is what the Church of God seeks firstly in time, place, order and importance! (You may wish to request my booklet Where Is God’s Church? to discover where it exists today.)

A Mystery Worth Pursuing

Speaking of true Christians, Christ said, “it is given unto you to know the mysteries of the Kingdom of heaven” (Matt. 13:11).

Mysteries are not easy! They involve careful analysis of all facts—a careful focus on all details. Proverbs 25:2 says, “It is the glory of God to conceal a thing…” Very few understand the mystery of the Kingdom of God. The verse closes, “but the honor of kings is to search out a matter.”

Take interest in the Kingdom of God! Learn all you can about it. Seek it first! Anticipate it. Pattern your life after Christ, the disciples and all true Christians since.

When you next pray, “Your Kingdom come,” as instruc­ted in Matthew 6:10, let it be with greater meaning and full expecta­tion!