Having a Kingdom-First Mindset

“But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be provided for you.” -Matthew 6:33

What we seek first reveals what we value most.

Let that sink in.

As coaches and players, what are we truly chasing? Are we looking at a scoreboard or a list of stats to tell us who we are and what we're worth? Our true value and identity come from Christ alone.

A Kingdom-first mindset shifts our focus from temporary achievements to eternal truths. It anchors our priorities, actions, and way of living in alignment with God’s plan and purpose.

SEEKING FIRST GOD'S KINGDOM

We all know that mindset impacts performance—think positively, and you play positively; think negatively, and … you know the results. But a Kingdom-first mindset goes much deeper than just positive thinking.

A Kingdom-first mindset can transform how we approach our sport, moving us beyond self-centered goals (the kingdom of man) to God-centered living (the Kingdom of God).

Our focus shifts from the scoreboard and physical training to advancing God’s Kingdom and fulfilling our unique role within it.

God’s Kingdom becomes our firm foundation and platform. When we build our lives on this foundation, we find stability and renewed purpose, no matter our challenges.

“’Therefore, everyone who hears these words of mine and acts on them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain fell, the rivers rose, and the winds blew and pounded that house. Yet it didn’t collapse, because its foundation was on the rock.’” – Matthew 7:24-25

REARRANGING PRIORITIES

A Kingdom mindset calls us to prioritize God's will over our own, both on and off the court. Aligning our lives with God’s priorities means that everything we do points not to the kingdom of self, but instead to His Kingdom.

When our perspective shifts, so do our goals, relationships, and daily focus. Our main goal is no longer to play sports just for the sake of playing them, but to let God use our platform of sports to lead other people to Christ.

What does it look like to be a Kingdom-first coach or player? Maybe it’s setting an alarm on your phone to remind you to pray daily and spend time alone with God. Perhaps you are called to lead a team Bible study or serve in your church or youth group. Maybe it's simply being a light to those around you.

The final goal is to advance His Kingdom and show Christ to a hurting world, no matter where you are or what you do.

“In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.” – Matthew 5:16

GOD WILL PROVIDE FOR YOUR NEEDS IN GREATER WAYS

When we embrace this Kingdom-first mindset, God promises to give us everything we need. We acknowledge that He alone is God, and we are not.

“… and all these things will be provided for you.” -Matthew 6:33b

Now, before you start your wish list, read that again. God will provide us with everything we need. This doesn't always mean material abundance, but can include peace, joy, renewed purpose and open doors of opportunity that align with His will. God has more for us than we can even dream up!

If you see God’s Kingdom as your way of life and shift your priorities to match, He promises to take care of your needs in ways that will surprise you and are beyond what you could imagine. His power is limitless, and His ways are far beyond ours.

“Now to him who is able to do above and beyond all that we ask or think according to the power that works in us—to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen.” -Ephesians 3:20-21

Let us choose to build our lives on the solid foundation of God’s Kingdom and use the gifts He’s given us to glorify Him in all that we do.

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Live It Out:

Quarter Verse – “But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be provided for you.” -Matthew 6:33

Question – How can you build your foundation on the promises and character of God? How might this help you build a Kingdom-minded mentality? 

Challenge – Think of a challenge in your life that you’ve been struggling with. Bring it to God and believe in His power to move and work in it. Pray for Him to show up for you and strengthen your belief.

*If you read this article and aren’t in a relationship with Christ yet but would like to know more, we invite you to go through FCA’s The FOUR, which explains how an everlasting and fulfilling life with God is possible.

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