In today’s fast-paced and busy world, it can be easy to let our priorities become consumed by the demands and distractions of everyday life. Our jobs, our families, our hobbies, and other commitments can all vie for our attention and devotion, making it challenging to keep our focus on what truly matters.
One of the most important things we can do is to ensure that our relationship with God remains at the top of our list of priorities. As the first of the Ten Commandments states, we should have no other gods before Him (Exodus 20:3). And as Deuteronomy 5:8-9 reminds us, we must not create idols or bow down to them, for God is a jealous God who will not tolerate any other gods taking precedence in our hearts. In this blog post, we will explore the importance of putting God first in our priorities and how we can make sure that He remains at the center of our lives.
The challenge of putting God first in our priorities is not limited to just the external demands and distractions of life. Our own thoughts and emotions can also become distractions that pull us away from the truth of God’s word. It’s important to be mindful of what we allow to take control of our thoughts and emotions. Are we allowing our feelings to dictate our actions, or are we bowing down to God and His truth?
Another obstacle we may face is living in a world that often values humanism over the principles of God. Many people today may not want God or His teachings to interfere with their lives, choosing instead to prioritize their own wants and needs. This creates a culture of selfishness and can lead to unhealthy attitudes and behaviors, such as worry, resentment, and bitterness. This can also manifest in physical sickness and a decline in our moral standards.
But there is hope. We don’t have to settle for living in a way that is out of alignment with God’s truth. In Christ, we can enjoy a life that is abundant and fulfilling. As John 10:10 reminds us, “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” By putting God first in our priorities, we can experience the fullness of life that He intends for us.
One of the most powerful tools we have for keeping God first in our priorities is the Word of God. It is an incredible source of wisdom, encouragement, comfort, and inspiration for every challenge we may face. The Bible brings peace and stability to our spirits, and it helps to renew our minds (Romans 12:2). Make it a goal to have a deep, intimate relationship with God by reading and studying His Word.
When we make the decision to put God first in our lives, the benefits are countless. We can develop a deeper and more meaningful relationship with Him, and let Him into every area of our lives. Instead of looking to others for answers and validation, we should look to God and rely on Him for guidance. (1 Thessalonians 2:4) As we strive to please God and make Him the center of our lives, He promises to bless us and make us prosper.
In keeping God first in our priorities, our soul will prosper and our happiness and peace will increase. Lean on Him more than anything else and tell Him “God, I want to do this, but I can’t do it without You.” God doesn’t expect us to live for Him using our strength or ability. He fully understands all the mistakes we make.
If you make a mistake, don’t let it discourage you. Acknowledge it and continue on. With God’s guidance and grace, we can achieve anything by tackling it one day at a time.
