Seeking First the Kingdom of God

 Lessons of Faith from Joshua - Sabbath School Lesson 7 - Friday: Afterthought

Seeking First the Kingdom of God

To seek first the kingdom of God means giving God the first place in our hearts, decisions, and priorities. It means allowing His will to shape our goals and His righteousness to guide our behavior. Jesus said, “But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you” (Matthew 6:33). When we live by this principle, we learn to trust God’s timing and provision rather than worry about our own needs. Our focus shifts from building our own comfort to advancing His purpose in our lives and in the world around us.

Joshua’s life is a strong example of what it means to live this way. Before leading Israel into the Promised Land, Joshua continually sought God’s presence and direction. When he faced challenges—from crossing the Jordan to conquering Jericho—he waited on the Lord’s instruction before taking action (Joshua 1:7–9; 3:7–8; 6:2–5). Even after the victories, Joshua didn’t seek personal glory or comfort; instead, he stayed near the tabernacle at Shiloh, close to the place of worship (Joshua 18:1). His heart was anchored in God’s presence, not in possessions or power. Because of this, his leadership was marked by courage, wisdom, and success.

In daily life, seeking first the kingdom means beginning each day with prayer and Scripture, inviting God to lead our thoughts and choices. It may mean choosing integrity over convenience, compassion over self-interest, or faith over fear. As we learn to align our lives with His Word, we find that everything else—peace, purpose, and provision—falls into place according to His will (Proverbs 3:5–6; Philippians 4:6–7).

Prayer:
Heavenly Father, thank You for reminding me that Your kingdom must come first. Help me to keep my eyes on You and not be distracted by the worries or ambitions of this world. Teach me to live with the same faith and obedience that Joshua showed, trusting Your Word and following Your lead each day. May Your kingdom grow in my heart and shine through my actions, so that others may see You in me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

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Sabbath School Quarterly Online: The Lessons of Faith from Joshua