Rooted in the Center

Seeking the Kingdom First

“But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, 

and all these things will be added to you.” 

Matthew 6:33 (ESV)

If you ever find yourself standing somewhere between the polarized expressions of modern Christianity—between loud extremes, fractured denominations, or rigid ideologies—you’re not alone. There is a quiet remnant of believers whose hearts are not consumed with being right or belonging to a particular camp, but with abiding in Christ and becoming like Him. These are the ones clinging to what C.S. Lewis called “mere Christianity”—the essential truths of the gospel, lived with humility and grace.

Jesus described this movement not with fanfare, but with a parable: “The kingdom of God is like a mustard seed… when it is sown it grows up and becomes the greatest of all shrubs… so that the birds of the air can make nests in its shade” (Mark 4:31–32). His kingdom does not come with banners or political power. It comes quietly, taking root in the hidden places of the heart, and grows into something expansive, sheltering, and beautiful.

Paul echoes this vision in his prayer for the Ephesian believers: “That Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith—that you, being rooted and grounded in love…” (Ephesians 3:17, ESV). The strength of the Christian life is not in arguments or allegiances, but in being rooted in love—in a relationship with the indwelling Christ. From this center, the kingdom grows.

Richard Foster once said, “The desperate need today is not for a greater number of intelligent people, or gifted people, but for deep people.” Those who seek Jesus above platform, tribe, or trend are the ones being formed deeply. They are like trees planted by streams of water (Psalm 1:3), not easily moved by cultural winds, but grounded in the unchanging presence of Christ.

You may not feel like you fit neatly into a box—but the kingdom of God was never about boxes. It is about Christ at the center, and His Spirit quietly transforming the world one surrendered heart at a time.

Reflection:

Where are your roots growing? Are you seeking to belong to a camp, or to the King? Ask the Lord to re-center your heart on Jesus—the true vine—and trust that even small seeds of faithfulness will one day bear much fruit.

Prayer:

Lord Jesus, help me to seek You above all—above movements, voices, or traditions. Dwell in my heart through faith. Root me and ground me in Your love. Teach me to abide in You, to become like You, and to bear fruit for Your glory. Let my life be part of the quiet revolution of grace You are sowing across the earth. Amen.

Soli Deo Gloria