Bible Reading: Mathew 6:27 – 34
Text: Matthew 6:33 — “But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and His righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.”
INTRODUCTION
It’s very easy to forget what you’re supposed to be doing for the Lord. I’m not just referring to individuals; even the Church in general can forget its priorities. Look at Church history; it only took three centuries from the inception of the Church for it to dominate the whole world. This was a phenomenal accomplishment in a day when communication and transportation were very slow.
In a world full of noise, speed, pressure, and endless responsibilities, it is easy to shift focus from what truly matters.
Many believers get busy doing good things, yet forget the most important thing.
Jesus calls us to a lifestyle where God remains first, no matter the season of life. This message is a reminder to re-align our hearts with heaven’s priority.
In 324 AD, Emperor Constantine abolished the persecution of Christians, and just six years later, by 330 AD, he declared Christianity the religion of the world.
The Church was happy about this and, for some reason, became too relaxed. They didn’t see the urgency for evangelism because everything seemed fine. “Everyone’s kind of religious,” they thought, but Jesus didn’t come to establish a religion;
He wanted men truly saved. Thus, it’s important to always reappraise our priorities.
The children of Israel forgot their priorities. The Bible tells us how God gave them the land He promised them. With it, He gave them rest; there was peace, and everything was fine. (Joshua 21:43-45).
He however gave them a warning in Joshua 23:7-8: _*“That ye come not among these nations, these that remain among you; neither make mention of the name of their gods, nor cause to swear by them, neither serve them, nor bow yourselves unto them: But cleave unto the LORD your God, as ye have done unto this day.”* The Israelites tried to heed this warning for a while but eventually got carried away and began to serve pagan gods. That’s what happens when we’re not winning souls: the Church begins to get worldly.
Soon enough, we start getting interested in their attractive job offers and mouth-watering businesses. They keep pulling us until we start forgetting that we’re supposed to be soul winners. That’s when you see Christians who can’t come to church because they have to go to work on Sundays. Some stop coming to church because business is booming and they always have to travel. Such people have forgotten their priorities. Don’t let the world pull you to its attractions; don’t forget your priorities.
Maintain the sanctity of your fellowship and devotion to Christ and to spiritual things. Keep winning souls. You’re first and foremost a Christian; let that be evident in everything about your life.
1. UNDERSTAND WHAT YOUR PRIORITY IS
a. God is your first Priority
God is not asking to be one of your priorities; He wants to be the first. Deuteronomy 6:5 — “Love the Lord your God with all your heart…”
b. The kingdom life is the believer’s assignment
Every other pursuit—career, family, finances—is secondary.c. Priorities determine direction
What you place first decides how you spend time, talent, and treasure.
2. WHY PEOPLE FORGET THEIR PRIORITY
a. The distractions of life (Luke 10:38–40) Martha was busy for Jesus, but Mary was sitting with Jesus. Busyness is not always fruitfulness.
b. Pressure of needs
Jesus said the Gentiles run after food, clothing, and shelter—yet the Father knows we need them (Matthew 6:32).
c. Success can also be a distraction
Sometimes success pulls people away faster than hardship.d. Spiritual negligence
When prayer, study, and fellowship weaken, priorities shift quickly.
3. HOW TO KEEP YOUR PRIORITY RIGHT
a. Seek God daily
Make devotion non-negotiable.Psalm 63:1 — “Early will I seek thee…”
b. Let the Word guide your decisions
Whatever doesn’t align with Scripture should not take first place. Psalm 119:105.
c. Live with eternity in view
When you remember that life is temporary, kingdom priorities become clearer.Colossians 3:1–2.
d. Choose relationships that strengthen your focus
People either help you remember your purpose or help you forget it.e. Serve God with your giftsServing keeps your heart aligned with God’s assignment.
4. BIBLICAL EXAMPLES OF RIGHT PRIORITIES
a. Jesus (Luke 2:49) “Did you not know I must be about my Father’s business?”
b. Daniel (Daniel 6:10) Despite threats, he prayed as usual—God first.
c. Paul (Philippians 3:13–14) He refused distractions and pressed toward the high calling.
5. BLESSINGS OF KEEPING GOD FIRST
Divine direction
Peace of mind, God’s provision (“all these things shall be added”)
Spiritual strength
Fruitfulness and fulfilment
Eternal reward
CONCLUSION
Your life will always drift in the direction of your strongest priority. God is calling you back to the place of divine order: Seek Him first.
When God is first, everything falls into place. When God is forgotten, everything falls apart.
PRAYER
“Lord, help me to put You first in my heart, decisions, relationships, time, and resources. Deliver me from distractions, and restore my spiritual focus. Amen.”
The Rev’d Olomola Olalekan A., National Minister (Coordinator) Methodist Campus Fellowship. He can reached on 08035501454 E-mail: olomolekan@yahoo.com
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