"But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness..."
— Matthew 6:33 (NIV)
Many Christians are chasing spiritual power, but what if the very thing they're chasing is keeping them from receiving it?
Everyone wants power.
We want prayers that move mountains, miracles that leave people speechless, divine breakthroughs, prophetic words, healing, favor, and supernatural experiences.
But what if we told you that the secret to spiritual power is not power itself?
What if the very thing most Christians are chasing is the reason they keep missing what God truly wants to give them?
The Great Misunderstanding
Many believers spend their lives asking God for more power.
More anointing.
More miracles.
More influence.
More manifestations.
Yet Jesus never told His followers to seek power first.
He told them to seek the Kingdom of God and His righteousness.
That means the foundation of spiritual power is not the gift itself.
It is holiness.
Not miracles.
Not fame.
Not popularity.
Not titles.
Moses once asked God to "show me Your glory," but God told him that no one can see His face (the true glory) and live.
Instead, God veiled His face with His hand as He passed by (Exodus 33:20-23, NKJV).
This veil remained in the Old Testament, as illustrated by the veil of the temple (Exodus 26:33, NKJV).
Although God performed great miracles during that era, it is still described as a "veiled glory." So what, then, is the extent of His full glory?
When Christ died, the temple veil was torn, symbolizing that in Christianity we now have access to the full glory (Mark 15:38, NKJV). We have entered the Most Holy Place.
Therefore, Christian glory begins in the Most Holy Place and in holiness (set apart or living by the Spirit).
Why We Get It Wrong
Modern Christianity often celebrates the visible.
A powerful sermon.
A spectacular healing.
A prophetic revelation.
A large ministry.
But heaven celebrates something else.
A pure heart.
A humble spirit.
A life of obedience.
A person who chooses righteousness when no one is watching.
The truth is that God's power flows most freely through those who desire His presence more than His gifts.
These gifts are freely given to those who worship Him (Mark 16:17-18, NIV), not to those who give more offerings, sow seeds, or have material wealth.
Moses Wanted Glory. God Revealed Himself.
When Moses asked God, "Show me Your glory" (Exodus 33:18, NIV), he was not seeking miracles.
He was asking for God Himself.
And that is the difference.
Many people seek God's hand.
Few seek His face.
Many seek what God can do.
Few seek to know who God is.
Yet great Christian leaders in history were not first known for their power but for their intimacy with God.
Power was merely the fruit of that intimacy.
The Currency of the Kingdom
In Christianity, blessings, answered prayers, and power are like treasures hidden in a field—we cannot obtain them unless we are willing to invest in the entire field (Matthew 13:44, NIV).
So, what is this field about?
The field embodies the principles of the Kingdom of Heaven, including love, holiness, forgiveness, kindness, mercy, and more. These qualities constitute heaven's currency.
In the world, influence is bought with money, connections, and status.
In God's Kingdom, the currency is different.
The Kingdom runs on:
- Holiness
- Love
- Mercy
- Humility
- Forgiveness
- Faithfulness
These qualities may not draw applause, but they attract God's presence.
And where God's presence dwells, His power follows.
Why So Many Are Deceived
When people seek miracles at any cost, they become susceptible to deception.
Counterfeit power always appeals to those unwilling to walk the path of obedience.
But genuine spiritual authority cannot be manufactured.
It cannot be bought (Acts 8:18-21, NIV).
It cannot be inherited.
It is cultivated in secret places of prayer, surrender (obedience), repentance, and worship.
Christianity Is Not a Marketplace
Christianity is a place of worship for all nations (Matthew 21:13; Isaiah 56:7, NIV).
Jesus drove the merchants out of the temple because God's house was never intended to be a spiritual marketplace.
Yet many still approach God as consumers rather than as worshipers.
They collect prophecies.
They chase miracles.
They run from conference to conference, seeking the next spiritual encounter.
Meanwhile, God is asking a simpler question:
"Do you love me?" (John 21:16, NIV)
That question changes everything.
The Real Secret to Spiritual Power
The secret to spiritual power is not learning how to become powerful.
It is becoming holy.
It is loving God more than blessings.
It is pursuing His presence more than His promises.
It is seeking Christ more than miracles.
The people who shake the world spiritually are rarely those who are obsessed with power.
They are those who are filled with God.
And in God's Kingdom, something remarkable happens:
When you stop chasing power and start chasing Him, power begins to follow you.
Maybe This Is Your Sign
The most powerful Christians are not necessarily the loudest.
They are not always the most famous.
They are not always the most gifted.
They are the ones who have learned the greatest secret of all:
God's presence is the greatest gift.
Seek holiness (righteousness).
Seek Christ.
Seek His Kingdom.
And the power you desire will become a byproduct of a life fully surrendered to Him (Ephesians 5:17-18, NIV).
Psalm: His Presence
I sought fire, I sought might, I asked for wonders to fill my sight. I chased the signs, the gifts above, Yet I missed the whispering voice that said, 'love'.
I cried, "Lord, show Your power today!" He gently said, "Walk in My way." For power blooms where hearts are pure, Where faith stands firm and love endures. Not in the noise or in cheering crowds, But in the soul that draws near to God.
Holiness shines where pride has died. Where mercy walks, His grace resides. The treasures sought, the answered prayers, the flame, Are found among those who seek His Name.
So let me seek not gifts alone, But Christ Himself upon the Throne. For when His presence fills my heart, His power comes.
The secret hidden through the ages: The greatest power is knowing God.
Amen.