The Main Idea
We all want to grow in our faith, but real growth requires real habits. It’s easy to want change but not follow through with the disciplines that lead to transformation. Jesus’ call was never just “believe in me,” but “follow me.” That means ordering our lives around His priorities starting our day, our week, and our finances with Him.
Our habits shape our hearts. And our hearts shape our faith. So, what are your current habits saying about what you value most? Jesus’ invitation to “seek first the Kingdom” is not just a nice idea, it’s the pathway to resilient, life-giving faith.
Scriptures
Matthew 6: 25-34
25 “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes? 26 Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? 27 Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?
28 “And why do you worry about clothes? See how the flowers of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. 29 Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. 30 If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you—you of little faith? 31 So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ 32 For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. 33 But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. 34 Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.
Mark 1:35
“Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where He prayed.”
Luke 5:16
“But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed.”
John 4:34 “My food,” said Jesus, “is to do the will of Him who sent me and to finish His work.”
Questions for Discussion
- What’s one habit or routine you’ve tried to start (like reading Scripture, exercising, journaling)? How did it go, and what helped or hindered you? (Ice breaker)
- Read Matthew 6:33. What does it practically look like to “seek first the Kingdom of God” in your everyday life?
- Why do you think Jesus emphasized practice (Matthew 7:24) over just knowledge? How can we avoid the trap of knowing a lot but not living it out?
- Which of the three areas starting your day with Him, trusting Him with your finances, or gathering with others weekly—do you find most challenging? Why? What step could you take this week in that area?
Faith grows through consistent practice. Start small but start somewhere. This week, take one simple step to put Jesus first in your time, your finances, or your weekly rhythm. Ask yourself daily: What story is my discipline telling about what I value most? Let your life say, “Jesus, you’re first.”
