The passage in Matthew 6:33 teaches us a fundamental truth: "But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you." These words, spoken by Jesus Christ, invite us to prioritize the eternal over the temporal, a principle that guides the lives of those who strive to follow the Savior.
In The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, this verse holds deep meaning. Living it involves centering our lives on the gospel, seeking God in our actions, decisions, and goals. It means putting service, prayer, and covenants first, ahead of worldly distractions.
A clear example of this can be found in Church history. In 1829, Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery sought divine guidance in prayer and were granted the Aaronic Priesthood. This event, which took place in Harmony, Pennsylvania, marked the beginning of the authority to perform essential ordinances for salvation. Similarly, when the Saints faced persecution in Nauvoo, Illinois, in 1846, they demonstrated their commitment to the kingdom of God by leaving behind their homes and possessions to journey westward. These historical moments show how seeking first the kingdom of God may require sacrifices but always brings eternal blessings.
President Gordon B. Hinckley taught in 1997: "When we put the kingdom of God first, everything else falls wonderfully into place." These words, spoken in Salt Lake City, remind us that the Lord not only takes care of our spiritual needs but also our temporal ones. Likewise, President David O. McKay said in 1955: "The kingdom of God is not just a future goal but a present reality we live when we are faithful to our covenants." Both leaders invite us to trust that the Lord will provide when our priorities are in the correct order.
This principle is also reflected in the teachings of Italian philosophers like Dante Alighieri and Tommaso Campanella. Dante, in his work The Divine Comedy, declared: "The will of God is our peace." This aligns with the idea that by seeking the kingdom of God, we find true peace. Campanella, on the other hand, wrote: "Man finds his greatest freedom in submitting to divine order." These words echo the Christian teaching that true freedom comes from living righteously and obeying God's commandments.
Seeking first the kingdom of God does not mean ignoring our earthly needs but trusting that when we prioritize the spiritual, everything else will fall into place. It is an invitation to live with purpose and hope, knowing that the Lord fulfills His promises.
Just as the Saints in Nauvoo left everything behind to follow the Lord, and as Joseph Smith sought divine guidance in prayer, we too can find strength by prioritizing the eternal. Matthew 6:33 is not just a call to faith but a promise that blessings will always follow those who seek first the kingdom of God.
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