But seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. (Matt 6:33).

Jesus, in this very familiar passage in Matthew’s gospel, teaches us the key to a life free of worry. Perhaps more importantly, He isn’t making a suggestion here but gives a specific key empowering us to live a Kingdom life.

I believe Jesus wants us to get back to the basics of being ‘Kingdom minded’ people. When we are Kingdom minded we don’t have to be concerned so much about ‘sharpening’ any particular spiritual gift but just seek to ‘give away’ the Kingdom of God.

Paul encourages us to eagerly desire spiritual gifts (1 Cor 14:1). So I’m all for pursuing and developing our gifts but not at the expense of seeking the Giver of these gifts. It’s time to use these gifts where they will be the most effective – in ministering to the lost. Paul said ”…my speech and my preaching were not with persuasive words of human wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power that your faith should not be in the wisdom of men but in the power of God.” (2 Cor 3:4-5 NKJV)

Trying to win the lost with clever arguments will never be as effective as meeting them at their point of need with the love and power of God. That’s precisely what Kingdom minded people are focussed upon.

In God’s Kingdom there is absolutely everything we need – not only to live the life He’s called us to live, but also to do the work we’re called, commissioned and empowered to do! (2 Pet 1:3) That is GOOD NEWS for all who embrace it!

Just think about this for a moment, not only did our loving Father provide the means of our salvation and redemption (putting things back to their original state or buying back) but then equipped and empowered us to partner with Him to see the lives of those with whom we have contact TRANSFORMED – taken from one state or place to another; from despair to hope, from discouragement to encouragement from sickness to health, from sorrow to joy, from bondage & captivity to freedom, from poverty to blessing.

So what does the Kingdom look like? We only need to read the gospels to find out. Again and again Jesus said:- ”the Kingdom of heaven is like…” Here are just a few examples:- a mustard seed, leaven, treasure hidden in a field, a merchant seeking pearls, a dragnet, a householder, king or landowner. I would encourage you to read Matthew’s gospel and discover these for yourself.

He also says the Kingdom is within us, at hand and near us. However, in essence, that which is contained in the Kingdom is what is needed here and now on earth – that’s why Jesus taught us to pray “Your Kingdom come ON EARTH AS IT IS IN HEAVEN!!” (Matt 6:10)

As we determine to be people who pray this with sincerity of heart, in other words fully expecting His Kingdom to come ON EARTH, here and now, just as it is in heaven we WILL see more of His tangible Presence released when we minister to others.

Consider this. In heaven there is no sickness or disease, no depression, envy or bitterness, slander or pride, no hatred or animosity, strife or striving, no pain or oppression, worry, fear or anxiety. There is no unhealthy competition, anger or rage and we could go on and on. However, WHAT THERE IS in heaven is EVERYTHING we need here. We won’t need the Holy Spirit’s peace when we get to heaven because we will be in it continually. The same applies to everything else heaven holds for us. Why would Jesus teach us to pray on earth as it is in heaven if it wasn’t available now? Why else would He say the Kingdom of heaven is at hand or near to you if it wasn’t possible?

Let me encourage you to be a person who ‘gives away’ the Kingdom. It has been said “we only get to keep what we give away”. Therefore, the more of the Kingdom we give away the more the Father can pour into us because we leak! Not only that but everything we try to hang onto we lose. (See Prov 11:24).

Don’t get too focussed on a particular gift or ‘anointing’ but just go after the things Jesus taught – seek first the Kingdom and all the rest will follow.

One other vital aspect of being kingdom minded people is we pursue unity (not uniformity) in the body of Christ. In other words, we lay aside our denominational preferences or idiosyncrasies and seek unity under the one King Jesus to reach and affect the community with His Love, Power and Grace. A kingdom minded person seeks to build HIS kingdom, not their ministry, church or following but His Kingdom here on earth. Our cities and towns are full of people desperately seeking truth, love, acceptance and meaning to life. Kingdom minded people have the answers to these lost and lonely ones through a relationship with the Creator and Sustainer of life. His name is Jesus the Name which is above every other name.

Pray and release the Kingdom and the gifts you need at that time – be it faith, miracles, words of knowledge, or wisdom, discernment & so much more will flow freely to you when you seek first the Kingdom. With the Kingdom comes all we need here and now!!! Praise God!