Seeking First the Kingdom of God

Written by Greg Gifford | Associate Pastor of Counseling and Life Groups

Hi Faith Community,

I often wonder if the month of January is as long as the other months because when February 1st comes, I think, “Wow, it’s February already.” While 2025 is upon us, I want you to think about your year through the lens of “seeking first the kingdom of God.” The year will be over before you know it and I wonder if you will spend it in the ways you had hoped, or if you will see it slip through your hands into 2026. Another year gone without any meaningful purpose.

While helping us quell the worries of life, Jesus says that God has provided for us (Matt. 6:26) and that God knows our needs (Matt. 6:32). These are such wonderful truths when you pause and think about them—God cares and He is attentive in His care. He is not distant and “needs to be reminded” but is intimately aware of my needs—and your needs. Knowing the character of God quells and displaces our anxiety. When you truly believe that God is all-knowing and good you have no need for worry or anxiety. After all, God provides.

But that is not all. Your life is not simply to be “free from anxiety” but rather to do verse 33: “ But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” You are free from anxiety so you can stay focused on serving Jesus. Avoiding anxiety isn’t the goal, but rather being faithful to serve Christ is the goal. Be free in knowing that God provides for you so your response is to seek His kingdom first.

How could this affect your 2025? Let me give you four ways to consider how this could affect you:

1. Your plans for 2025 should represent God’s plans for this world.

“What is your life? For you are a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes. Instead you ought to say, ‘If the Lord wills, we will live and do this or that’” (James 4:14b-15). Don’t just focus on the everyday responsibilities (and you must!) but how does your 2025 match God’s plans for the world? Make a plan and be intentional.

2. Use your vacations strategically.

Many of us vacation in the summer so ask, how can I use my vacation time to minister the Gospel and relax? Seek first the kingdom in your vacations and watch how God fills you more than if you were to only relax and focus on yourself for 10 days.

3. Prioritize the local church.

Orient your life around it. God’s primary means for accomplishing His kingdom is through the local church, so how are you a part of the local church? In 2025, do you need to find meaningful forms of fellowship? Are you and your family drifting a tad through the busyness? Seek first the kingdom and prioritize your local church.

4. Purposefully parent for the kingdom of God.

Let your parenting values reflect that God’s kingdom is first in your life. Santa Clarita loves to keep us busy and have our kids in every sports and academic program. However, those activities don’t always represent God’s priorities for us. If God has given you kids who are at home, how does your parenting represent that you are seeking first the kingdom of God?

When 2025 comes to an end, will you be able to say, “Yes, I was seeking God’s kingdom first?” Don’t let the busyness of the year crowd out your priorities. Seek His kingdom. Let your 2025 be about God’s work on this earth.

Your Servant,