“But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” – Matthew 6:33
What Does The Bible Say About Putting God First
When we consider what it means to put God first in our lives, we realize it encompasses our priorities, thoughts, and actions. The Bible guides us on this mission by emphasizing the importance of placing God at the center of our lives. This means we intentionally seek His will in every aspect, from our relationships to our careers, recognizing that He has our best interest at heart. Putting God first means trusting Him with our plans and believing that He knows what is best for us.
This prioritization is not a one-time event; it requires daily commitment. We can choose to focus on His word, prayer, and service to others, allowing these practices to guide our decisions and actions. Putting God first allows us to build a strong foundation on which to grow spiritually and emotionally. It gives us hope and peace in tumultuous times as we lean on His wisdom rather than our understanding.
By seeking God’s presence and guidance in our lives, we can navigate challenges with confidence. We learn to surrender our desires and ambitions, recognizing that true fulfillment comes only when we walk in alignment with His purpose. Thus, we are reassured when we prioritize God, knowing that our lives reflect His love and grace, which can impact others positively.
Also Read: 30 Important Bible Verses About Horses
Bible Verses About Putting God First
Prioritizing Prayer
Prayer is our lifeline to God and ensures we maintain a close relationship with Him. When we consistently pray, we communicate our hearts and listen to His guidance. Putting God first through prayer allows us to seek His wisdom in every situation, enabling us to make decisions grounded in His word.
Philippians 4:6
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” – Philippians 4:6
1 Thessalonians 5:17
“pray continually,” – 1 Thessalonians 5:17
James 1:5
“If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.” – James 1:5
Mark 11:24
“Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.” – Mark 11:24
Colossians 4:2
“Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful.” – Colossians 4:2
Trusting His Plans
Putting God first means trusting that His plans are better than ours. Our understanding is limited, but God sees the bigger picture. As we surrender to Him, we open ourselves to His blessings, knowing that our trust in His ways strengthens our faith.
Proverbs 3:5-6
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” – Proverbs 3:5-6
Isaiah 55:8-9
“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the Lord. “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.” – Isaiah 55:8-9
Jeremiah 29:11
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” – Jeremiah 29:11
Romans 8:28
“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” – Romans 8:28
Psalm 37:5
“Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him and he will do this.” – Psalm 37:5
Making His Word a Priority
We must make God’s word a priority when we put Him first in our lives. By filling our hearts with scripture, we gain the strength, insight, and encouragement to contribute positively to our surroundings. It acts as a guiding light that illuminates our path in darkness.
2 Timothy 3:16-17
“All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.” – 2 Timothy 3:16-17
Psalm 119:105
“Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.” – Psalm 119:105
Joshua 1:8
“Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful.” – Joshua 1:8
Psalm 1:2-3
“But whose delight is in the law of the Lord, and who meditates on his law day and night. That person is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither.” – Psalm 1:2-3
John 15:7
“If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.” – John 15:7
Serving Others
When we put God first, we recognize our calling to serve others. Serving reflects our love for God and demonstrates our commitment to His teachings. It encourages us to look beyond our needs and invest in the lives of those around us.
Galatians 5:13
“You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love.” – Galatians 5:13
Matthew 25:40
“The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.'” – Matthew 25:40
Mark 10:45
“For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” – Mark 10:45
Philippians 2:4
“Not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.” – Philippians 2:4
1 Peter 4:10
“Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.” – 1 Peter 4:10
Focusing on His Kingdom
Moreover, focusing on God’s Kingdom means aligning our priorities with His. Setting our sights on the eternal instead of the temporary reminds us of the hope we have in Jesus. It encourages us to live in a way that reflects the values of the Kingdom, such as love, joy, and peace.
Matthew 6:33
“But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” – Matthew 6:33
Colossians 3:1-2
“Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.” – Colossians 3:1-2
Revelation 21:4
“He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.” – Revelation 21:4
Luke 12:31-32
“But seek his kingdom, and these things will be given to you as well. Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has been pleased to give you the kingdom.” – Luke 12:31-32
2 Peter 3:13
“But in keeping with his promise we are looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth, where righteousness dwells.” – 2 Peter 3:13
Living a Life of Worship
Living a life of worship means acknowledging God’s rightful place in our lives. We can put God first through our daily actions, thoughts, and attitudes, showcasing our devotion to Him. When we live in worship, our lives become a testimony of His love and goodness.
Romans 12:1
“Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God – this is your true and proper worship.” – Romans 12:1
Psalm 95:6-7
“Come, let us bow down in worship, let us kneel before the Lord our Maker; for he is our God and we are the people of his pasture, the flock under his care.” – Psalm 95:6-7
Hebrews 13:15-16
“Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise – the fruit of lips that openly profess his name. And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.” – Hebrews 13:15-16
John 4:24
“God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in the Spirit and in truth.” – John 4:24
Colossians 3:16
“Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly, as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts.” – Colossians 3:16
Final Thoughts
As we strive to put God first in our lives, we must remember that our relationship with Him is central to everything we do. Prioritizing prayer, trust, and His word helps keep our focus on what truly matters. Serving others and focusing on His Kingdom encourages us to embody the values of Christ, spreading love and hope to those around us.
Living a life of worship cultivates an attitude of thankfulness, constantly reminding us of God’s goodness and grace. By aligning our actions and intentions with God’s purpose, we begin to see the world through His eyes. Our commitment to putting Him first leads us toward a fulfilling and purpose-driven life that reflects His love.
Let us always remind ourselves that putting God first is not merely an act but a lifestyle choice that shapes our destiny and influences those around us. In doing so, we become instruments of His peace and love, creating a ripple effect that leaves a lasting impact for His glory.