Seek First: A Call for a New Year

At the beginning of a new year, we are invited into a fresh moment—an opportunity to reset our focus, reorder our priorities, and realign our lives with what truly matters. Jesus’ words in the Sermon on the Mount offer a timeless challenge that shapes not just a year, but a life:

“Seek first the kingdom of God above all else…” (Matthew 6:33)
“Keep on seeking, and you will find.” (Matthew 7:7)

These words were spoken by Jesus to both His disciples and the curious crowd. To the fully committed and the undecided alike, Jesus presents the same truth: what you seek determines the direction of your life.

Nothing has changed in over 2,000 years. Our lives today are shaped by what we pursued yesterday, and our future will be shaped by what we pursue now. Philosopher Dallas Willard said it plainly: “We become what we are devoted to.”

The Greek word Jesus uses for “seek” is zeteō—an active, intentional, all-consuming pursuit. This is not passive curiosity; it is a deep longing, a determined search, a life-directing focus.

So the question we must ask is simple, but searching: Who—or what—are you seeking first?

Seeking First Jesus

Seeking Jesus first doesn’t mean He is merely included somewhere in our lives. He can be second, third, or fourth and still appear present. But Jesus is clear: priority matters.

A practical way to examine this is by looking honestly at four areas of life:

• Our finances – where our money goes often reveals what we value.
• Our time – our schedules show what we prioritise.
• Our emotions – what drains or fills us emotionally reveals our deepest investments.
• Our choices – if something is misaligned, change is required.

If Jesus truly is first, our lives will reflect it.

Seek First His Word

In a fragile, shifting world, God’s Word remains firm. Where truth feels blurred and opinions change with emotion, Scripture stands eternal and trustworthy.

The Bible is not just information; it is transformation. It is living, active, and powerful. It is light and lamp, seed and sword, bread and milk, fire and hammer. It reveals Jesus—the Word made flesh—and shapes us into who God has called us to be.

D.L. Moody once said, “The Bible was not given to increase our knowledge, but to change our lives.”

If you want greater joy, peace, faith, and spiritual vitality, seek His Word first. God’s Word changes everything.

Seek First His Way

When we seek God’s Word, we begin to understand His way. Scripture reveals not only what God says, but who He is. His ways are higher, purer, and more life-giving than our own.

Isaiah records God’s words:

“As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways.” (Isaiah 55:9)

The way of Jesus is narrow, but it leads to life. It is a way of love, holiness, mercy, faithfulness, and grace. Jesus Himself says there are two paths: a wide road that leads to destruction, and a narrow road that leads to life—and few choose it.

Choosing God’s way is deeply personal. No one can choose it for you. What you model to your family, your friends, and your world is shaped by your decisions.

And when the standard feels overwhelming, remember this encouragement from Charles Spurgeon: “Christ is the way. Follow Him, step by step.”

You don’t have to solve the future today. Simply take the next step the Jesus way—and let Him lead you where you could never go on your own.

Seek First His Will

The will of God is not an optional extra; it is the reason we are alive. God’s will is clear: that people would be saved, discipled, and sent.

Every believer is a minister of the gospel. You don’t need a title, a certificate, or a platform. You carry the message of Jesus wherever you go—into workplaces, schools, homes, gyms, shops, and neighbourhoods.

God has positioned you where you are on purpose. The people in your world are there so that you can reflect Christ to them. We cannot claim to seek God’s will if we remain silent about the good news.

Jesus’ final commission makes it unmistakable:

“Go and make disciples of all nations…” (Matthew 28:19)

We have been saved to help others find salvation. To seek His will is to live boldly, prayerfully, and missionally—declaring the kingdom of God in word and action.

Seek First His Wonder

Somewhere along the way, many believers lose their sense of awe. Familiarity, distraction, and complacency dull our wonder. Yet awe is the proper response to the presence of God.

God never intended wonder to be occasional moments; He intended daily relationship. We were created to walk with Him, amazed by who He is and what He does.

It’s time to rediscover that wonder—to be amazed again by His goodness, faithfulness, healing, provision, and power. God is still a miracle-working God. He still restores hearts, heals minds, rebuilds families, and does the impossible.

Awe fuels worship. Expectation stirs faith. When we approach God with wonder, we create space for Him to move.

This year, let us refuse apathy. Let us come before God with anticipation, faith, and reverence—believing that anything can happen when we seek Him first.

Applicational Questions

1. What currently receives the greatest portion of your time, money, and emotional energy—and what does that reveal about what you are seeking first?
2. How can you practically prioritise God’s Word in your daily routine this year?
3. Where is God inviting you to choose His way over a more comfortable or popular alternative?
4. Who has God placed in your world that you are called to influence with the good news of Jesus?
5. What has dulled your sense of awe—and how can you intentionally seek God’s wonder again?