NIV Life Application Study Bible Footnotes:
To "seek first his kingdom and his righteousness" means:
to turn to God first for help,
to fill your thoughts with his desires,
to take his character for your pattern,
and to serve and obey him in everything.
What is really important to you? People, objects, goal, and other desires all compete for priority. Any of these can quickly bump God out of first place if you don't actively choose to give him first place in every area of your life.
This verse is in a section of Scripture where Jesus teaches about worry. Be sure to read Matthew 6:25-34.
This is another helpful chart from my Bible.
SEVEN REASONS NOT TO WORRY
6:25.........The same God who created life in you can be trusted with the details of your life.
6:26.........Worrying about the future hampers your efforts for today.
6:27.........Worrying is more harmful than helpful.
6:28-30....God does not ignore those who depend on him.
6:31,32....Worry shows a lack of faith in and understanding of God.
6:33..........There are real challenges God wants us to pursue, and worrying keeps us from them.
6:34..........Living one day at a time keeps us from being consumed with worry.
Seek to give God first place this week!
The "worry" or "anxiety" of 6:25-31 is summed up in 6:33 -- "For the Gentiles seek all these things." So the anxiety for food that sows, reaps, and gathers into barns is more about working hard (seeking) to have plenty of (the best) food (6:26). And the anxiety for clothing that "toils and spins" is about working hard (seeking) to have the best clothing. Thus, instead of working so hard at seeking these things, seek first his kingdom and his righteousness (hungering and thirsting for righteousness), and all these things (food and drink) will be added (in the case of Jesus and his disciples, added by others who provided simple hospitality).
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