Today we will talk about God first. Many Christians do not know what this means. God first is a principle that transcends time and culture, emphasizing the importance of putting God at the forefront of our lives. It encourages us to prioritize our relationship with Him, ensuring that our decisions, actions, and thoughts revolve around honoring and serving Him. As we meditate on His Word, let’s explore the various ways the idea of “God first” has been understood in the Bible, its Hebrew and Greek meanings, and its historical significance. We want to enrich our understanding and commitment to living a God-first life.
God First
Understanding “God First”
Putting God first is not just a catchy phrase; it’s a profound way of life that we’re called to embrace as believers. To fully grasp this concept, we should first look at the biblical foundation it rests upon. The Scriptures invite us into a relationship where God occupies the highest priority in our lives. This means that our thoughts, desires, and decisions are influenced primarily by our love for God and His guidance.
In Hebrew, the term for God is “Elohim.” This name means “the strong one” or “mighty one,” reflecting His sovereignty and power (Genesis 1:1). When we put God first, we acknowledge His might and authority in our lives. In the Greek, the term “Theos” (Θεός) similarly conveys the idea of divinity and a higher power of responsibility. Both terms underscore the significance of prioritizing our relationship with God above all else.
Historically, the idea of putting God first has been the cornerstone of many Christian teachings. Jesus Himself emphasized this priority when He stated, “But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you” (Matthew 6:33, NKJV). This becomes a life mantra for those who desire to live in alignment with God’s will. The Church throughout the ages has recognized that when we put God first, everything else falls into a proper perspective, leading to peace and fulfillment.
Every book of the Bible encourages us to put God first in various ways. For example, in Exodus 20:3, God commands, “You shall have no other gods before Me.” This first commandment establishes the foundation for a life centered around Him. Similarly, in Proverbs 3:5, we’re told to “Trust in the Lord with all your heart,” reminding us that trust in God is illustrated by letting Him lead in our lives.
When we think about what it means to put God first, it’s essential to reflect on aspects of our daily living. Are our choices influenced by our relationship with Him? Do we approach our jobs, families, and friendships with a heart that seeks God’s approval and guidance? Putting God at the forefront also influences how we approach challenges and successes.
Having a God-first mindset impacts not only our lives but also those around us. When we model a life prioritizing God, we become beacons of light, demonstrating His love and grace to others. The call to put God first emphasizes the importance of being a good steward of the resources He has abundantly provided us, including time, talent, and treasure.
Let’s further explore how putting God first can be manifested in various aspects of our lives. As we do so, may our understanding of God’s importance in our lives deepen, encouraging us to live out our faith with authenticity and joy.
God First in Our Hearts
When God is the Center of Our Being
Putting God first in our hearts means making a conscious effort to love Him above all else. In the book of Deuteronomy, we find the call to love the Lord with all our heart, soul, and strength (Deuteronomy 6:5). This establishes a framework for understanding that our love for God should surpass any earthly attachment, commitment, or care.
In Matthew 22:37, Jesus reiterates this commandment: “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.” By focusing our love on God, we prioritize our spiritual needs over physical or worldly desires. This vertical alignment ensures that our earthly cares and frustrations are filtered through our relationship with our heavenly Father.
Furthermore, cultivating a heart devoted to God enables us to navigate life’s challenges with a unique perspective. When faced with difficulties, Paul assures us in Philippians 4:13, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” This demonstrates that, with God at the center, we can find the strength to endure and triumph over life’s obstacles.
The Bible also emphasizes that our hearts are the wellspring of life (Proverbs 4:23). Hence, it is crucial to guard our hearts—what we allow to take root within us directly affects our actions and behavior. When we place God first in our hearts, we transform our desires and motivations. Psalm 37:4 encourages this idea, stating, “Delight yourself in the Lord, and He will give you the desires of your heart.” When God is the primary focus, our desires align with His will.
Additionally, putting God first in our hearts nurtures our relationships with others. By choosing love, patience, and understanding—fruits of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23)—we reflect God’s character in our interactions. It becomes clear that our relationship with God will positively influence how we create and maintain relationships with those around us. In 1 John 4:19, we read, “We love because He first loved us.” Here, God’s love becomes the motivation for our love, fostering true connections.
Let’s consider practical ways to keep God first in our hearts. Regular prayer and meditation on His Word help maintain an intimate relationship with God. Engaging in acts of service and love toward others also nurtures our hearts while living out the God-first principle. Worship, whether through song, writing, or acts of kindness, becomes a daily reminder that our hearts belong to Him.
God First in Our Time
Prioritizing Our Daily Schedule
When we talk about putting God first in our time, we’re diving into the crucial aspect of how we use our most precious resource: time. It’s common for life to get busy, and if we’re not careful, we might find ourselves prioritizing insignificant tasks over spending time with God. The Bible teaches us that managing our time wisely reflects our heart’s devotion to Him.
In Psalm 90:12, we’re asked to “Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.” This suggests that being mindful of how we spend our days is a reflection of seeking wisdom from God. The days can pass quickly, and when we choose to prioritize our relationship with Him through prayer, scripture reading, and reflection, we gain deeper understanding and growth.
Jesus modeled this practice by frequently withdrawing to pray and spend time with His Father (Luke 5:16). If the Son of God, with His busy schedule teaching and healing, recognized the need for time with God, how much more should we? Setting aside specific times in our daily schedule for communion with God establishes a framework that strengthens our faith and clarifies our purpose.
Moreover, prioritizing God in our schedule means not just allocating an hour on Sunday but rather integrating Him into our entire week. Colossians 3:17 instructs us, “And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus,” urging us to include God in every aspect of our lives, from work to family time.
One practical way to ensure we’re putting God first in time management is to create a “God appointment” in our daily planner. This could be time set aside for personal devotion, family prayer, or even quiet moments of reflection before the busyness of the day begins. Having a dedicated time for God serves to remind us that He is a priority, and prioritizing Him influences how we view our responsibilities and relationships.
Additionally, as we prioritize God, we must also consider how we spend our free time. Ephesians 5:16 says to “Make the best use of the time, because the days are evil.” This implies we should evaluate how we use our leisure moments. Engaging in activities that promote faith—like attending Bible studies, participating in serving our communities, or simply discussing faith with friends—can transform our free time into moments of worship and growth.
Time management can also help us resist the distractions in our lives. We live in a fast-paced world filled with endless notifications, social media scrolls, and commitments that can pull us away from meaningful time with God. In Matthew 6:24, we learn that we cannot serve two masters. By putting God first in our schedules, we create boundaries that help us focus on Him without getting lost in life’s noise.
God First in Our Finances
Stewardship Through Generosity
Putting God first in our finances involves recognizing Him as the source of every blessing we receive. By entrusting our resources to God, we acknowledge His provision and authority over our lives. This faithful stewardship is woven throughout Scripture, where generosity and giving are celebrated as acts of faith.
The Bible instructs us on the importance of giving in 2 Corinthians 9:7, where it states, “Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.” This means that our approach to giving should stem from a heart that prioritizes God rather than one driven by obligation. We are encouraged to view our financial contributions as acts of worship, reflecting our commitment to God’s work.
Moreover, tithing is a foundational principle found in Scripture, where we dedicate the first tenth of our income to God. Malachi 3:10 encourages us to bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, promising, “And see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that there will not be room enough to store it.” This principle teaches us that God rewards our obedience and reveals His faithfulness in our financial lives.
Beyond tithing, being generous with our resources extends to helping those in need. Proverbs 19:17 says, “Whoever is generous to the poor lends to the Lord, and He will repay him for his deed.” When we put God first in our financial dealings, we become instruments of His generosity in the world. Our willingness to share not only reflects God’s heart but also opens doors for opportunity and gratitude in our relationships.
Additionally, putting God first in our finances calls us to practice wise stewardship. This involves budgeting, saving, and investing in ways that align with biblical principles. Matthew 25:14-30 illustrates the parable of the talents, where God expects us to be responsible stewards of what He has entrusted to us. When we budget and manage our resources thoughtfully, we set ourselves up to be effective servants of God.
Making deliberate choices in our finances requires prayer and guidance. James 1:5 reassures us, “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives generously to all without reproach.” Seeking God’s direction in our financial matters will help us make decisions that honor Him and express our priorities correctly.
God First in Our Relationships
Building Spiritual Connections
Our relationships, whether with family, friends, or the wider community, are often central to our lives. Putting God first in our relationships means promoting love, grace, and unity, which are hallmarks of the Christian faith. When God is the center of our interactions, we mirror His love to those around us.
In Colossians 3:14, Paul writes, “And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony.” By prioritizing love rooted in our relationship with God, we encourage healthier relationships that reflect His character. By putting God first, we become more patient, forgiving, and understanding toward others, as shown in Ephesians 4:32: “Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.”
Family relationships are no exception, as love begins at home. Joshua 24:15 reminds us to make the commitment, “But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.” Putting God first in family dynamics fosters an environment where faith thrives. Regular family devotions, prayer, and open discussions about God build a strong foundation that emphasizes the significance of spiritual connections in the household.
Moreover, building relationships within the church community is vital. Hebrews 10:24-25 encourages us to not neglect meeting together, underscoring the importance of community. As we engage with others in fellowship, we build strong bonds and encourage one another in faith. Community is a space where we reflect God’s love and support one another in times of need.
When God is first in our relationships, we become stewards of His grace. In Romans 12:10, we are instructed to “Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor.” This approach builds a culture of respect and mutual encouragement. A God-first relationship serves as a witness to others, drawing them to Christ through our genuine connections and unconditional love.
To cultivate God-first relationships, we need to prioritize transparent conversations, where individuals can share their struggles and triumphs. 1 Thessalonians 5:11 encourages us, “Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing.” The more we build each other up and support one another’s faith journeys, the more we reflect a life centered on God.
Final Thoughts
As we reflect on the incredible wisdom of putting God first in our lives, we recognize its significance across different aspects. From our hearts to our time, finances, and relationships, it’s essential that we prioritize God every day. By allowing Him to take the lead, we open ourselves to a path of fullness and clarity.
Putting God first does not mean neglecting our responsibilities or relationships; rather, it’s about placing Him at the center and letting His light guide our every decision. The more we focus on what matters most, the more peace and joy we will experience.
Let us collectively commit to living a life that mirrors God’s love, reminds us of His authority, and serves as a testament to our faith. By actively choosing to engage with God first, we find true fulfillment and purpose in our lives.
Further Reading
30 Bible Verses About Israel (With Explanation)
4 Ways to Encounter Grace and Truth: A Study on John, Chapter 4