“But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.” – Matthew 6:33 (NKJV).
There is a famous story of two women fighting over the custody of a child. They each had a son born within the same week, but one of the women lost her son and decided to swap her deceased child with the other woman’s living son. To discern the truth, the king called for a sword, announcing that he would cut the living child in two and give half to each woman.
However, while one of the women was in support of the child being killed so that neither of them would have a living child, the other woman immediately intervened, begging the king to give the living child to the other woman. After seeing this, the king wisely determined that the woman who prioritised the child’s welfare over her claim was the true mother. This story from 1 Kings 3:16-28 is a powerful illustration of how our choices and priorities reflect the posture of our hearts.
When discussing priorities as believers, we often think of a hierarchy system—God first, then family, ministry, career, and so on. But this is not the way it should be. Rather than viewing life as a list of competing priorities, everything should flow out of our relationship with God. The hierarchical mindset can tempt us to compartmentalise God, excluding Him from other key areas of our lives outside church and spiritual activities. While consecration in such areas is essential, it is only part of a larger whole.
Proverbs 3:5-6 (NKJV) says, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.” Our devotion to God should not be compartmentalised but integrated into every aspect of our lives.
With this perspective, our anchor text becomes more precise: we do not seek God merely for His blessings. We seek Him because, in Him, everything else in life falls into its proper place. There is a common phrase, “God over everything”, which you may often see on social media captions, merchandise, or stickers. While this phrase is frequently overused, it should reflect the actual reality of every believer—that God is central to all things. This must be evident in our stewardship, service, and relationships.
In light of your core motivation in all things, consider these crucial aspects: dedicating your resources to advancing God’s Kingdom, ensuring your career does not hinder your relationship with God, spending your time on pursuits that honour Him, and cultivating relationships that reflect His love.
Ultimately, believers do not have multiple priorities—only God. God is your one priority and this foundational knowledge shapes everything else.
SAY THIS: God is the centre of my life, and He is the core motivation behind all that I do. In Him, I live, move, and have my being.
Bible Reading Plan: Titus 3