Whether or not we’re aware of it, we all have pursuits in life, ultimate goals we want to achieve. Whatever our pursuits are, they drive the rest of our lives. Wittingly or unwittingly, we choose our daily actions to help us reach our ultimate goals. And Jesus Christ told us exactly what we should wholeheartedly pursue first and foremost—God’s kingdom and His righteousness.

If we want to seek God’s kingdom first, we must examine our priorities. As we do, we often find we’re far off the mark. Many people set money making as their primary goal in life. They choose this goal in the most uncritical fashion, without ever asking if they should spend their time, effort, and energy on it. Other people adopt pleasure as their ultimate goal. They want only enough money to enjoy their pleasures. Such people are little different from the ancient pagan hedonists who openly declared pleasure as their god. Yet others spend their lives building their own kingdoms where they can rule over others. They amass as much power as they can so they can have control.

But God asks, “Should you then seek great things for yourself? Seek them not.” Jesus continues centuries later, “But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness; and all these things shall be added to you.” Clearly, God wants His kingdom to be our ultimate pursuit in life. What does it mean to seek the kingdom of God? First, we seek the extension of His kingdom by sharing the gospel of Christ with those who don’t know it. Second, it means discipling, teaching, and building up people in the faith. The kingdom should extend until every phase of our lives is under His dominion. Then we will be at peace with Him and ourselves.

Have you evaluated your priorities recently? Have you made seeking God’s kingdom your ultimate pursuit? If not, do so today. Invite God to use you however He desires to draw people to Him.