Kingdom Mindset vs. Self Mindset: Serving God's Kingdom vs. Living for Self
Text: Matthew 6:33 (NKJV)
"But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you."
Introduction
Every believer faces a daily battle between two mindsets: the Kingdom Mindset and the Self Mindset. The Kingdom Mindset is centered on serving God's purpose, advancing His kingdom, and living according to His righteousness. The Self Mindset, on the other hand, is focused on personal ambition, comfort, and desires.
Jesus calls us to deny ourselves and follow Him (Luke 9:23), but in a world that promotes self-centered living, how do we truly embrace the Kingdom Mindset? Today, we will explore the characteristics of these two mindsets, the dangers of living for self, and the rewards of seeking first God’s kingdom.
I. The Difference Between the Kingdom Mindset and the Self Mindset
A. The Kingdom Mindset
Seeking God First – A kingdom-minded person prioritizes God in everything. Matthew 6:33 tells us to seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness.
Servanthood – Jesus said, “Whoever desires to be great among you, let him be your servant” (Matthew 20:26). Serving God’s kingdom requires humility.
Eternal Perspective – Those with a Kingdom Mindset focus on storing treasures in heaven rather than on earth (Matthew 6:19-20).
Faith in God’s Provision – Kingdom-minded people trust God for their needs, knowing that He provides as they walk in obedience (Philippians 4:19).
Living by the Spirit – Galatians 5:16 urges us to walk in the Spirit so that we do not fulfill the lust of the flesh. A Kingdom Mindset is Spirit-led, not flesh-driven.
B. The Self Mindset
Seeking Personal Gain First – A self-focused life puts personal desires and ambitions above God’s will (James 4:3).
Self-Promotion – Instead of serving others, a self-centered person seeks their own success and recognition (Philippians 2:3).
Temporary Focus – Those with a Self Mindset prioritize earthly wealth, comfort, and status, forgetting that life is fleeting (Luke 12:16-21).
Reliance on Self – Instead of trusting in God’s provision, a self-focused person depends on their own efforts, often leading to worry and stress (Proverbs 3:5-6).
Living by the Flesh – The flesh leads to selfish desires, pride, and disobedience to God’s will (Romans 8:5-8).
II. The Dangers of Living for Self
While the world encourages self-focus, the Bible warns of the dangers of living only for oneself.
A. Separation from God
Proverbs 14:12 says, “There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death.” Living for self leads away from God’s presence and guidance.
B. Dissatisfaction and Emptiness
Solomon, the wisest and richest king, pursued wealth, pleasure, and success, yet he concluded: “Vanity of vanities, all is vanity” (Ecclesiastes 1:2). A life apart from God leaves a void that nothing can fill.
C. Vulnerability to the Enemy
When we live for self, we become easy targets for Satan’s deception. 1 Peter 5:8 warns us that the enemy “walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.”
D. Eternal Consequences
Jesus spoke of a man who built bigger barns to store his wealth but was called a fool because he did not prepare for eternity (Luke 12:20-21). Living for self without regard for God’s kingdom leads to spiritual loss.
III. The Call to Serve God’s Kingdom
A. Jesus as Our Example
Jesus lived with a Kingdom Mindset. He said, “My food is to do the will of Him who sent Me, and to finish His work” (John 4:34). His entire life was about serving the Father’s will, not seeking personal comfort.
Philippians 2:5-8 describes how Jesus humbled Himself to the point of death on a cross. If Christ, the Son of God, came to serve, how much more should we?
B. The Cost of Following Jesus
Luke 9:23 – “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me.”
Denying self means surrendering our plans to God.
Taking up our cross daily means living sacrificially for His glory.
C. Serving in the Body of Christ
Romans 12:4-5 teaches that we are all part of the body of Christ. We serve God’s kingdom by using our gifts for His glory—whether through teaching, giving, leading, or acts of kindness.
1 Peter 4:10 – “As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.”
D. Kingdom-Minded Living in Practical Ways
Evangelism – Sharing the gospel and making disciples (Matthew 28:19-20).
Generosity – Using our resources to bless others (2 Corinthians 9:6-7).
Loving Others – Serving with love and compassion (John 13:34-35).
Holiness – Living set apart for God (1 Peter 1:15-16).
IV. The Rewards of a Kingdom Mindset
A. Intimacy with God
James 4:8 – “Draw near to God and He will draw near to you.” When we seek God’s kingdom, we experience a deeper relationship with Him.
B. Divine Provision
Matthew 6:33 promises that when we prioritize God, He meets our needs.
C. Fulfillment and Joy
Psalm 16:11 – “In Your presence is fullness of joy.” True joy is found in serving God, not in selfish pursuits.
D. Eternal Rewards
Jesus said in Matthew 25:21, “Well done, good and faithful servant… Enter into the joy of your Lord.” What greater reward than to hear those words from our King?
Conclusion: Choosing the Kingdom Mindset
The choice is clear:
The Self Mindset leads to emptiness, sin, and separation from God.
The Kingdom Mindset leads to purpose, fulfillment, and eternal rewards.
Will you choose to seek first God’s kingdom? Will you surrender your plans and desires for His greater purpose?
Let us fix our eyes on Jesus and commit to living with a Kingdom Mindset, serving His purposes above all else.