Matthew 6:33

But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. – Matthew 6:33

One of my pastor friends wrote a booklet about marriage. In the preface, he included a quote from A.W. Tozer, which served as the introduction to his booklet. I enjoyed reading my friend’s booklet, and Tozer’s quote introduced me to A.W. Tozer—the pastor, author, and theologian—and his writings.

A.W. Tozer was a unique theologian and pastor who had no formal theological education in a seminary. His books are considered classics and are cherished by pastors, seminary students, and lay Christians alike. Among them, *The Pursuit of God*, published in 1948, is one of the best-selling Christian books of the past century. A few years after publishing *The Pursuit of God*, Tozer authored another classic, God’s Pursuit of Man, a prequel to his earlier work.

In God’s Pursuit of Man, Tozer taught that humanity is truly saved not by human effort but by God’s pursuit, election, and grace. The pursuit of God is the calling of Christians, not unbelievers. Paul, echoing Psalm 14:2 and Psalm 53:2, stated in Romans 3:11, “No one seeks God.” To be precise, Paul and the psalmist were referring to unbelievers. When a person is saved through God’s pursuit, the indwelling Holy Spirit empowers them to pursue God.

When I memorized and meditated on Matthew 6:33, A.W. Tozer and his book “The Pursuit of God” came to mind. This post is not a book review of “The Pursuit of God”, but Tozer’s writings have deepened my understanding of the Christian life. It is not merely about receiving God’s blessings for a good life but about pursuing God after He first pursues us. I view Matthew 6:33 as both a command from Jesus and a promise from God. Christians are called to prioritize seeking God’s kingdom and His righteousness, as commanded in the first half of Matthew 6:33. God promises that “all these things” will be provided.

Matthew 6:33 is a short verse with profound meaning and many insights. Let’s unpack the verse and explore the broader context of Matthew 6. To understand Matthew 6:33, we need to define three key terms before diving deeper.

What is the Kingdom of God?

Jesus spoke extensively about the kingdom of God:

In His first recorded message in the book of Mark, Jesus declared:

“The time has come,” He said. “The kingdom of God has come near. Repent and believe the gospel!” – Mark 1:15

When the Pharisees asked when the kingdom of God would come, Jesus explained that it is not a physical entity but a spiritual reality already present during His earthly ministry:

“The kingdom of God is not coming with signs to be observed, nor will they say, ‘Look, here it is!’ or ‘There!’ for behold, the kingdom of God is in your midst.” – Luke 17:20–21

Jesus also told His followers who can perceive the kingdom of God:

“Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.” – John 3:3

In the book of Revelation, the apostle John prophesies the ultimate transformation of the world into the kingdom of God:

The seventh angel blew his trumpet, and there were loud voices in heaven, saying, ‘The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of His Christ, and He shall reign forever and ever.’” – Revelation 11:15

In summary, the kingdom of God arrived with Jesus, is present among His followers, and will be fully realized when God transforms the earth and universe into a new heaven and new earth. Until then, the kingdom of God is spiritual, not physical.

Paul urged the Christians in Corinth to focus on the unseen realm, which is the kingdom of God:

As we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal. – 2 Corinthians 4:18

What is God’s Righteousness?

Righteousness is one of God’s attributes. For Christians, seeking God’s righteousness means pursuing His character as image-bearers and children of God. Humanity was created in God’s image, but that image was distorted when Adam and Eve succumbed to temptation and ate the forbidden fruit. Through God’s pursuit and redemption, those who believe in Jesus Christ as their Savior have their image restored. This restoration will be perfected when God’s children enter the new heaven and new earth. Until then, Christians, empowered by the Holy Spirit, seek to reflect God’s attributes.

What are “All These Things”?

In Matthew 6, Jesus provides examples of “all these things”:

“Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing?” – Matthew 6:25

“Therefore do not be anxious, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all.” – Matthew 6:31–32

“All these things” refer to physical needs and earthly provisions, such as food and clothing. Jesus assured His disciples that their Heavenly Father knows their needs. However, He instructed them not to pursue these things, as unbelievers do. Notice the distinction between seek and need. Christians are to seek God’s kingdom and His righteousness first, following God’s commands. God promises to provide all these things—often exceeding what Christians can imagine.

These provisions are not only for individual Christians but also for Christian communities, such as Christian nations. Over two thousand years of church history, Christendom and Western civilization have achieved remarkable advancements in science, culture, and prosperity, contributing positively to the world more than any other religion or civilization. Without Christianity’s influence after Christ’s ascension, or its role as the foundation of major civilizations like Europe and America—where pilgrims sought religious freedom, not worldly power—the world would be profoundly different in negative ways.

In this complex world, there is a simple truth: God initiates His pursuit of humanity through His general revelation in creation and His special revelation in His Son, Jesus Christ, calling people to respond. Those who reject God’s call continue to pursue anything but the kingdom of God and His righteousness. Those who accept God’s call become His children, called to pursue Him and cease chasing earthly things, trusting God to provide.

C.S. Lewis famously wrote:

“Aim at Heaven and you will get Earth thrown in; aim at Earth and you will get neither.”

I agree with this Lewis' quote because it captures the essence of Matthew 6:33 and Matthew 16:26:

But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. – Matthew 6:33

For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul? Or what shall a man give in return for his soul? – Matthew 16:26

How do Christians pursue God’s kingdom and His righteousness?

God commands us to seek first His kingdom and His righteousness. As Christians, we obey this divine calling with steadfast faith.

God promises to provide for our needs according to His perfect will.

Through the power of the Holy Spirit, God equips us to pursue His kingdom and live righteously.

By following God’s commandments, we actively seek His kingdom and His righteousness.

In response, God graciously supplies all we need in this life and beyond, according to His sovereign plan.