Brief Answer

Putting God first means making Him the central priority in every area of life—our thoughts, decisions, relationships, and pursuits. It involves seeking His will above our own, trusting Him completely, and living in obedience to His Word. This heart posture acknowledges that God alone is worthy of our highest devotion and that everything we have belongs to Him.

Understanding Putting God First from a Biblical Perspective

The Bible consistently calls believers to prioritize their relationship with God above all else.

Key Scriptures:

• Matthew 6:33: “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.”
• Deuteronomy 6:5: “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength.”
• Exodus 20:3: “You shall have no other gods before me.”

These verses remind us that putting God first is an act of love and obedience rooted in our recognition of His rightful place as Lord of our lives.

Historical Context

Throughout the Bible, we see examples of individuals and nations who either honored or neglected the call to put God first:

• Abraham: When God asked Abraham to sacrifice his son Isaac, Abraham demonstrated unwavering trust and obedience (Genesis 22). Abraham put God’s command above his personal desires.
• Israel’s Idolatry: The Israelites often strayed by placing their trust in idols, political alliances, or their own strength rather than God (Judges 2:11-12). This led to periods of judgment and hardship.
• Jesus’ Teaching: During His earthly ministry, Jesus challenged His followers to love God above family, wealth, and even their own lives (Luke 14:26-27).

Practical Implications

Putting God first shapes our daily decisions and habits:

• Time: Prioritizing regular prayer, Bible study, and worship.
• Finances: Honoring God with tithes and offerings (Proverbs 3:9-10).
• Relationships: Seeking God’s guidance in friendships, marriages, and parenting.
• Work: Viewing our jobs as opportunities to glorify God through excellence and integrity.

Living Out This Priority:

• Start with Prayer: Begin each day by committing your plans to the Lord.
• Scripture Meditation: Reflect on God’s Word to align your heart with His will.
• Surrender Control: Trust God even when circumstances seem uncertain.

Theological Depth and Insight

At its core, putting God first means recognizing His sovereignty and embracing the reality that we belong to Him.

• God’s Sovereignty: Acknowledging that everything we have comes from God (Psalm 24:1) helps us hold our possessions, time, and goals loosely.
• Worship and Idolatry: When we fail to put God first, something else inevitably takes His place—whether it’s success, comfort, relationships, or self. Scripture warns us that idolatry leads to spiritual emptiness (Jeremiah 2:13).
• Jesus’ Lordship: Colossians 1:18 states that Christ must have “supremacy in everything.” Putting God first means yielding every aspect of life to His lordship.

Broader Biblical Themes

• Devotion and Love: The Great Commandment calls us to love God with all our heart, soul, and mind (Matthew 22:37-38).
• Faith Over Fear: Putting God first requires trust, even when obedience seems costly, as demonstrated by Daniel in the lion’s den (Daniel 6:10).
• Self-Denial: Jesus calls His disciples to deny themselves, take up their cross, and follow Him (Mark 8:34-35).

The Role of the Holy Spirit

The Holy Spirit empowers us to live out a life where God is first:

• Conviction: The Spirit convicts us when our priorities shift away from God.
• Empowerment: He strengthens us to obey God in difficult circumstances.
• Guidance: The Holy Spirit leads us into truth and reminds us of God’s promises (John 14:26).

Relevance for Today’s Christian

In a world that prioritizes self-interest, success, and materialism, putting God first is countercultural but deeply rewarding:

• Avoiding Distractions: Modern life is filled with distractions that can crowd out time with God. We need intentionality to stay spiritually grounded.
• Resisting Cultural Pressure: Society often elevates personal happiness and achievement above obedience to God, but we are called to live differently (Romans 12:2).
• Finding True Fulfillment: When God is first, our pursuits become aligned with His will, leading to lasting joy and purpose.

Connection to Jesus Christ and God’s Love

Jesus is the ultimate example of putting God first. In the Garden of Gethsemane, He prayed, “Yet not my will, but yours be done” (Luke 22:42). His obedience, even to the point of death on the cross, demonstrated His complete submission to the Father’s will and His love for us.

• Christ’s Example: Jesus’ life shows that putting God first often involves sacrifice, but it is always worth it.
• God’s Love: When we put God first, we are responding to His overwhelming love for us (1 John 4:19).
• Eternal Perspective: Jesus reminds us to store treasures in heaven rather than on earth (Matthew 6:19-21), focusing our hearts on what truly matters.

Bible Characters

• Abraham: His willingness to sacrifice Isaac (Genesis 22) demonstrates radical trust in God.
• Daniel: Daniel’s refusal to stop praying, even under threat of death, exemplifies devotion to God above personal safety (Daniel 6).
• Mary of Bethany: Mary’s act of anointing Jesus with expensive perfume showed that she valued Him above material possessions (John 12:3).

Questions for Reflection and Discussion

1. What areas of your life do you find hardest to surrender to God?
2. How can you prioritize time with God in your daily routine?
3. What habits or distractions hinder you from putting God first?
4. How does Jesus’ example of obedience encourage you to trust God’s plan?
5. How can the Holy Spirit help you realign your priorities?

Putting God first is not about perfection but about a heart fully devoted to Him. When we seek Him above all else, He transforms our lives and fills us with His peace and purpose. As we trust in His love and guidance, we can confidently place Him at the center of every decision, knowing that His ways are always best.