What Should You Live For

In a world brimming with options for what to live for, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. You could dedicate your life to chasing a successful career, sculpting the perfect physical appearance, or indulging in endless pleasures. Society bombards us with messages that these pursuits will bring happiness and fulfillment. Yet, Jesus offers a different perspective—a singular, transformative focus that cuts through the noise. In Matthew 6:33, He declares:

“But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you” (ESV).

These words aren’t just a suggestion; they’re a divine directive that reveals what we should truly live for. Jesus presents seeking God’s kingdom and righteousness as the ultimate priority, promising that when we align our lives with this goal, God will take care of everything else we need. This blog post will unpack Matthew 6:33 through careful exegesis, diving into the original Greek language, exploring its context within the Sermon on the Mount, and applying its timeless truth to our lives today. What does it mean to seek God’s kingdom first? How does this reorder our priorities? And why does it lead to a life free from worry? Let’s find out.

The Context of Matthew 6:33

To grasp the full weight of Matthew 6:33, we need to situate it within its broader context: the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5–7). This sermon is Jesus’ foundational teaching on life in God’s kingdom, delivered to His disciples and the crowds on a Galilean hillside. It’s a manifesto of kingdom values, challenging worldly priorities and calling followers to a higher standard of living.

In Matthew 6, Jesus shifts focus to practical aspects of discipleship. He addresses religious practices like giving, prayer, and fasting (vv. 1–18), urging sincerity over hypocrisy. Then, in verses 19–34, He tackles our relationship with material wealth and daily needs. He contrasts earthly treasures, which fade, with heavenly treasures, which endure (vv. 19–21). He warns that we cannot serve two masters—God and money—because our allegiance can only belong to one (v. 24).

This leads into His teaching on worry (vv. 25–34). Jesus instructs His listeners not to be anxious about life’s necessities: food, drink, and clothing. He points to God’s care for the birds and the lilies, asking, “Are you not of more value than they?” (v. 26, ESV). It’s here, amid this discussion of anxiety and provision, that Jesus delivers the pivotal command of verse 33:

“But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.”

The “but” signals a shift. Instead of worrying about material needs, Jesus offers an alternative pursuit, seeking God’s kingdom and righteousness. This isn’t just a call to stop fretting; it’s a proactive charge to replace anxiety with a higher purpose. The promise? God will provide “all these things” when we prioritize Him.

Exegesis of Matthew 6:33

Let’s break down Matthew 6:33 phrase by phrase, examining the original Greek to uncover its depth and meaning.

“But seek first”

“But” (de): This Greek conjunction introduces a contrast. After warning against worry, Jesus pivots to what we should do. It’s a deliberate redirection of focus.

“Seek” (zēteite): From the verb zēteō, meaning “to seek, strive for, or pursue,” zēteite is a present imperative. The present tense implies ongoing, habitual action—not a one-off effort but a continuous lifestyle of seeking. It’s an active, intentional pursuit.

“First” (prōton): This adverb means “first in time, place, order, or importance.” Here, it emphasizes priority. Seeking God’s kingdom isn’t just one item on a list; it’s the primary goal that shapes everything else.

Together, “but seek first” instructs us to replace worry with a persistent, top-priority pursuit. But what are we seeking?

“The kingdom of God”

“The kingdom” (tēn basileian): From basileia, this term can mean “kingdom,” “reign,” or “rule.” In Jesus’ teaching, it’s God’s sovereign authority—His reign over creation, present in the hearts of believers and fully realized in the future.

“Of God” (tou theou): This specifies whose kingdom we seek—God’s, not a human construct.

To “seek first the kingdom of God” is to live for God’s rule in our lives and the world. It’s submitting to His authority, aligning our will with His, and working toward His purposes—through prayer, evangelism, and acts of justice. It’s both personal (in our hearts) and communal (in the church and beyond).

“And his righteousness”

“And” (kai): This connects the two objects of our seeking—God’s kingdom and His righteousness—as inseparable pursuits.

“His righteousness” (tēn dikaiosynēn autou): Dikaiosynē means “righteousness,” “justice,” or “rightness.” The pronoun autou (“his”) ties it to God.

This phrase has dual layers. First, it could mean the righteousness God imparts through faith in Christ (Romans 3:21–22), a gift we seek by trusting Him. Second, in the Sermon on the Mount’s context—where Jesus teaches on righteous living (e.g., Matthew 5:20)—it suggests living according to God’s moral standards. Both are likely intended: we seek a right relationship with God and a life that reflects His character.

“And all these things will be added to you”

“All these things” (tauta panta): Refers to the necessities Jesus mentioned—food, drink, clothing (vv. 25–32).

“Will be added” (prostethēsetai): A future passive form of prostithēmi, meaning “to add” or “give in addition.” The passive voice points to God as the provider.

This is Jesus’ promise: prioritize God’s kingdom and righteousness, and God will supply your needs. It’s not a blank check for wealth, but assurance that our Heavenly Father knows and meets our essential needs.

What Should You Live For?

So, what does Matthew 6:33 tell us to live for? Jesus cuts through life’s myriad options, appearance, career, and pleasure, and points us to one supreme purpose: God’s kingdom and righteousness. This isn’t just another priority to juggle; it’s the lens through which we view all else. Here’s what that looks like practically:

A Life of Purpose Over Worry

Jesus contrasts seeking God’s kingdom with worrying about material needs. Living for physical well-being alone is a cursed existence, marked by anxiety and a focus on survival—like animals scrabbling for scraps. Instead, Jesus says, “Seek Me first, and I’ll handle the rest.” This frees us to pursue purpose rather than panic.

Honoring God in Everything

Living for God’s kingdom means making honoring God your goal in every sphere. Ask yourself: “In this action, what’s my aim?” If you’re working just to get rich at any cost, your goal is misaligned. But if you work to glorify God—offering honest effort, integrity, and a good testimony—you’re seeking His kingdom.

Take your career, for example. You don’t have to choose between honoring God and being a good employee; you honor God by being a diligent, ethical worker. Proverbs 22:1 aligns with this: “A good name is to be chosen rather than great riches, and favor is better than silver or gold” (ESV). A reputation for godliness trumps wealth.

Replacing Lesser Passions

Worry is a passion, a habit of the heart. Jesus doesn’t just say “stop it”; He gives us a greater passion to replace it. As R.T. France notes, this verse demands “a commitment to find and do the will of God, to ally oneself totally with his purpose.” Living for God’s kingdom becomes our driving force, eclipsing lesser pursuits.

Trusting Divine Provision

When we live for God’s kingdom, we’re not promised a trouble-free life but a provided-for one. Jesus assures us that “all these things” will be added to us, our needs met by a faithful Father. This trust liberates us from the tyranny of self-reliance.

Biblical Examples

Scripture brims with people who lived this way:

Abraham: He left everything to follow God’s call, seeking a heavenly city (Hebrews 11:10). God provided a legacy beyond his imagination.

Moses: He chose God’s people over Egypt’s riches, seeking eternal reward (Hebrews 11:25–26). God sustained him as a leader.

Paul: He counted all as loss for Christ’s sake (Philippians 3:8), living for God’s kingdom. God supplied strength for every trial (Philippians 4:13).

These lives show that seeking God first doesn’t leave us empty—it fills us with purpose and provision.

Addressing Objections

“What if I seek God’s kingdom and still struggle?” Jesus never promised ease, saying, “In the world you will have tribulation” (John 16:33, ESV). Yet He offers peace and presence. God’s provision might be strength, community, or hope—not always material abundance. For those in poverty, this trust can be challenging, but God’s faithfulness shines through countless testimonies of sustenance in the midst of hardship.

Practical Application

Here’s how to live by Matthew 6:33 daily:

Pray Daily: Start each day asking God to align your priorities with His kingdom.

Evaluate Goals: In every task, aim to honor God—whether in work, family, or leisure.

Trust Actively: When worry creeps in, pray and recall God’s past provision.

Serve Others: Advance God’s kingdom through generosity, evangelism, and justice.

Look Eternal: Let heaven’s hope shape your choices over fleeting gains.

Conclusion

Among life’s many pursuits, Jesus calls us to one: seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness. This isn’t a burden but a gift, a path to purpose, peace, and provision. By living for God’s rule and character, we find what we were made for: fellowship with Him. So, let’s commit today to this radical, worry-free life, trusting that “all these things” will follow as we seek Him first.

What God Chooses to Accomplish His Will

Have you ever felt a nudge in your spirit, a quiet prompting to step into something bigger than yourself? Maybe it was a call to speak a word of encouragement, to take on a new challenge, or to trust God in a situation that felt far beyond your capabilities. As soon as the thought entered your mind, did another voice follow, whispering doubts about your qualifications? Yet, deep within, there was a quickening—a sense that this could be something great. These are the moments when God steps in, inviting us into His extraordinary plans, not because of our strength, but precisely because of our weakness.

This truth lies at the heart of 1 Corinthians 1:27: “But God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise; God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong” (ESV). From an evangelical perspective, this verse reveals a profound aspect of God’s character and His redemptive plan. He delights in using the unlikely, the unqualified, and the overlooked to accomplish His will, ensuring His power and glory shine through. In this post, we’ll exegete this powerful passage, explore key terms from the original Greek, and uncover how God’s counterintuitive choices call us to a life of faith, humility, and dependence on Him. Through personal reflections and practical applications, we’ll see how this truth transforms our lives today.

The Nudge Beyond Our Abilities

God often calls us to tasks that stretch us beyond our comfort zones. Why? Because in our weakness, His strength takes center stage. If God only asked us to do what we felt capable of, we might never see His hand at work. We’d rely on our own wisdom, strength, and resources, leaving little room for faith. But when we step into the unknown, trusting Him to provide, we witness His power in ways that defy human logic. This is the heartbeat of 1 Corinthians 1:27—a verse that challenges our expectations and invites us into God’s upside-down kingdom.

Exegesis of 1 Corinthians 1:27

The Text in Context

Let’s begin by reading 1 Corinthians 1:27 in its immediate context, as found in the English Standard Version (ESV):

“For consider your calling, brothers: not many of you were wise according to worldly standards, not many were powerful, not many were of noble birth. But God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise; God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong; God chose what is low and despised in the world, even things that are not, to bring to nothing things that are, so that no human being might boast in the presence of God” (1 Corinthians 1:26-29, ESV).

Paul wrote these words to the church in Corinth—a bustling, cosmopolitan city known for its wealth, intellect, and pride. The Corinthian believers, however, were not the elite of society. Many were ordinary people, some even slaves or outcasts. Divisions had crept into the church, with members boasting about their allegiance to certain leaders or their spiritual gifts. In response, Paul redirects their focus to the gospel of Christ crucified—a message the world deemed foolish, yet one that held the power of God unto salvation (1 Corinthians 1:18).

In verses 26-29, Paul reminds the Corinthians of their humble beginnings. He points out that God didn’t choose them because they were wise, powerful, or noble by worldly standards. Instead, God deliberately selected the “foolish,” the “weak,” and the “despised” to fulfill His purposes. Verse 27 stands as the centerpiece of this argument, emphasizing God’s sovereign choice and its surprising outcomes.

Key Greek Words and Their Meanings

To deepen our understanding, let’s unpack three key terms from the original Greek in 1 Corinthians 1:27:

“Foolish” (μωρά, mōra)

The Greek word mōra translates to “foolish” or “silly” in English. It describes things that, from a human perspective, lack wisdom or understanding. In the Greco-Roman world, wisdom (sophia) was highly prized—think of philosophers like Plato or the eloquent orators of Corinth. Yet Paul says God chose the mōra—the things the world scoffs at—to upend human pride. The cross itself, a symbol of shame and defeat, exemplifies this foolishness in the eyes of the world.

“Weak” (ἀσθενῆ, asthenē)

The term asthenē means “weak” or “powerless,” referring to physical, moral, or social frailty. The Corinthians weren’t the mighty warriors or influential leaders of their day. Many lacked status, strength, or resources. But God chose the asthenē to demonstrate that His power doesn’t depend on human might. This weakness becomes a canvas for His strength, as Paul later writes: “For when I am weak, then I am strong” (2 Corinthians 12:10, ESV).

“Shame” (καταισχύνῃ, kataischynē)

The verb kataischynē means “to disgrace,” “to dishonor,” or “to confound.” God’s choice of the foolish and weak isn’t just a random act—it’s strategic. He uses them to shame the wise and strong, exposing the futility of human wisdom and power apart from Him. The world’s standards are turned upside down, revealing that true strength lies in God alone.

Explanation of the Verse

Paul’s message in 1 Corinthians 1:27 is clear: God’s ways are not our ways (Isaiah 55:8-9). He intentionally chooses what the world deems insignificant to accomplish His will. The repetition of “God chose” (exelexato, from eklegomai, meaning “to pick out” or “select”) underscores His deliberate, sovereign action. This isn’t an accident—it’s a divine strategy.

The purpose is twofold: to shame the wise and strong, and to ensure that “no human being might boast in the presence of God” (v. 29). By using the foolish and weak, God dismantles the idols of human intellect and power. The cross—the ultimate symbol of weakness and shame—becomes the means of salvation, confounding those who trust in their own abilities. As evangelical believers, we celebrate this truth: our salvation rests not on our merits, but on God’s grace.

Why God Chooses the Unlikely

God’s Sovereignty and Grace

At its core, 1 Corinthians 1:27 reflects God’s sovereign freedom. He isn’t bound by human expectations or qualifications. He could have chosen the philosophers, the kings, or the eloquent to spread His gospel—but He didn’t. Instead, He called fishermen like Peter, tax collectors like Matthew, and even a persecutor like Paul. Why? Because His grace shines brightest against the backdrop of human inadequacy.

This choice also guards against pride. If God only used the wise and mighty, we might think we earned His favor. But by selecting the weak, He ensures that all glory belongs to Him. As Paul writes elsewhere, “Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord” (1 Corinthians 1:31, ESV). Our weaknesses become a testimony to His strength.

Shaming the Wise and Strong

God’s method has a redemptive purpose: to expose the emptiness of worldly wisdom and power. The wise of Corinth—those steeped in philosophy and rhetoric—mocked the simplicity of the gospel. Yet through the “foolishness” of the cross, God saved the lost, proving that His wisdom surpasses human understanding. Likewise, the strong—those with wealth and influence—were humbled by God’s use of the powerless to advance His kingdom.

This theme echoes throughout Scripture. God chose Israel, a small and enslaved nation, to be His people (Deuteronomy 7:7-8). He picked David, the youngest son, to defeat Goliath and become king (1 Samuel 16:7). With Gideon, He reduced an army to 300 men to win a miraculous victory (Judges 7). In each case, God used the unlikely to shame the mighty, revealing His unmatched power.

A Broader Biblical Narrative

The pattern culminates in Jesus Himself. Born in a manger, raised in obscurity, and crucified as a criminal, Christ embodied weakness and foolishness in the world’s eyes. Yet through His death and resurrection, He conquered sin and death, offering salvation to all who believe. The gospel is God’s ultimate demonstration of choosing the lowly to accomplish His will—a truth that 1 Corinthians 1:27 invites us to embrace.

Living Out God’s Upside-Down Kingdom

Embracing Our Weaknesses

What does this mean for us today? First, it challenges us to rethink our limitations. That area where you feel unqualified—whether it’s sharing your faith, serving in ministry, or trusting God through a trial—might be exactly where He wants to work. Our weaknesses aren’t obstacles; they’re opportunities for His power to shine.

I think of a friend who felt too shy to share the gospel with her coworkers. She didn’t have a theology degree or a bold personality. But one day, she simply invited a colleague to church, trembling as she spoke. That small step led to a conversation, then a conversion. God didn’t need her eloquence—He needed her obedience.

Stepping Out in Faith

Second, 1 Corinthians 1:27 calls us to action. God nudges us into uncomfortable places because that’s where faith grows. Maybe He’s prompting you to volunteer, to forgive someone who hurt you, or to trust Him with a financial need. The Israelites in the wilderness received manna daily, teaching them to rely on God as their provider (Exodus 16). How is He teaching you to trust Him day by day?

Practically, this might look like:

Saying Yes: Accept a role or task you feel unprepared for, trusting God to equip you.

Praying Boldly: Ask God to show His strength in your weakness.

Starting Small: Share a testimony or serve in a simple way, letting God multiply your efforts.

Trusting God’s Provision

Finally, we must believe that God is sufficient. When He calls us, He doesn’t leave us to fend for ourselves. As Paul assures us, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness” (2 Corinthians 12:9, ESV). Whether it’s strength for dark days, provision for your family, or courage to minister, God will carry you through. He uses our powerlessness to display His great ability.

Pause and reflect: Where is God nudging you to step out in faith? Are you clinging to what “makes sense,” or are you willing to trust Him for something greater?

Surrendering to God’s Greatness

In 1 Corinthians 1:27, we see a God who defies human logic. He chooses the foolish to shame the wise, the weak to shame the strong, and the despised to bring the proud low. Why? So that no one can boast before Him, and all glory returns to its rightful place—at His feet. This truth humbles us, yet it also empowers us. Our inadequacies don’t disqualify us; they qualify us for His grace.

As Christians, we’re called to live this out. We don’t need to have it all together. We simply need to say yes to God, trusting that He’ll provide what we lack. So, let’s surrender our weaknesses to Him. Let’s step into the nudges He places on our hearts, believing that He can do something great through our seemingly unqualified lives.