What should be your top priority according to the Bible?

Loving God Above All Else

One recurring theme emerges clearly throughout Scripture: the highest priority is dedicating oneself fully to God. As recorded in Deuteronomy 6:4–5, “Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is One. And you shall love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength.” In the Gospels, Jesus reaffirms this as “the greatest and first commandment” (Matthew 22:37–38). This principle represents the central focus for life and conduct according to biblical teaching.

Yet placing God above everything else is more than a concept. It necessitates an active response. In John 14:15, Jesus says, “If you love Me, you will keep My commandments.” Love for God, therefore, constitutes not merely an abstract intention but a tangible commitment visible in choices, actions, habits, and worship.

Loving Others As an Outflow

From this love for God flows a second priority inseparable from the first. In Matthew 22:39, Jesus states, “And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’” Scripture consistently underscores that genuine love for God naturally extends to love for others (1 John 4:20–21).

Loving neighbors also implies care, compassion, and thoughtful treatment of people from all walks of life. Galatians 6:10 charges, “Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to the family of faith.” This “doing good” finds its motivation in the love that begins with God, whose love was first shown to us (Romans 5:8).

Seeking the Kingdom of God First

Jesus frames the believer’s primary focus with a simple exhortation: “Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added unto you” (Matthew 6:33). In this statement, Christ directs followers toward an eternal perspective, calling them to invest time, resources, and energy into matters of spiritual significance rather than being preoccupied with worldly anxieties.

Historical manuscripts, including early papyri such as P66 and P75, attest to the authenticity of this teaching in the Gospel of Matthew, reinforcing the consistency with which the early church preserved Christ’s words. Among the Dead Sea Scrolls, though mostly containing Old Testament texts, fragments such as 4Q521 emphasize a Messianic vision in which righteousness and divine rule take central stage, complementing the New Testament’s focus on seeking God’s kingdom.

Honoring God’s Glory as Life’s Purpose

Scripture repeatedly points to the purpose of glorifying God. According to 1 Corinthians 10:31, “So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all to the glory of God.” This aligns every aspect of life under the overarching priority of honoring the Creator.

Across centuries, believers have testified that dedicating life’s pursuits to God yields deeper joy and meaning than merely chasing personal ambition. Archaeological findings in regions such as ancient Corinth reveal how early Christians lived differently from their neighbors, evidenced by their communal fellowship and worship gatherings. Such records demonstrate that glorifying God was not a private preference but a transformative shift at the heart of daily existence.

Christ-Centered Salvation

All biblical themes converge on the person of Jesus Christ, whose atoning sacrifice and resurrection form the cornerstone of the Christian faith. Romans 10:9 declares, “If you confess with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.” The early Christian creed cited in 1 Corinthians 15:3–4 is corroborated by multiple manuscript traditions, as well as historical references in sources like Josephus (Antiquities of the Jews, Book 18) and Tacitus (Annals 15:44), which mention the crucifixion events.

If loving God is the ultimate directive, then resting one’s hope on Christ and His resurrection is essential for salvation. Placing faith in Him aligns a person’s priorities with God’s eternal purposes, beginning with spiritual rebirth and followed by ongoing growth in grace. Scriptural reliability, demonstrated by the abundance of manuscripts and the internal consistency of the texts, gives assurance that this message transcends eras and remains relevant across cultures.

Personal Transformation and Obedience

Aligning priorities with God demands inward transformation empowered by the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 3:16–17). This transformation reflects in one’s character, relationships, and approach to personal challenges. As believers read Scripture, pray, and submit to the Holy Spirit, they cultivate increasing love for God and others.

Plenty of documented cases testify to radical changes in individuals who place obedience to God as their top priority. Such life stories parallel biblical records of people like Zacchaeus (Luke 19) and the Apostle Paul (Acts 9), whose redirects in life demonstrate the transformative power of aligning with the new life Jesus grants.

Practical Steps to Making God the Top Priority

1. Daily Devotion and Scripture Reading: Immerse yourself in biblical truth to keep your heart aligned with godly values (Psalm 119:105).

2. Prayer and Worship: Set aside intentional times of communion with God; as Jesus often withdrew to pray, this underscores the necessity of prayer for spiritual focus (Luke 5:16).

3. Loving Service: Seek opportunities to serve others selflessly (Philippians 2:3–4). Whether volunteering in your community or engaging in church ministries, these acts cultivate love for God and neighbor.

4. Accountability and Fellowship: Participate in a local church or community of believers, drawing encouragement and growth from shared faith (Hebrews 10:24–25).

5. Trust in God’s Provision: Recall Matthew 6:33, confidently expecting God to meet needs when His kingdom is sought.

Conclusion

From Genesis to Revelation, the pages of the Bible underscore that life’s highest priority is to love and glorify God, culminating in a life anchored in Christ. This focus shapes the believer’s identity, relationships, and worldview. Far from being an abstract command, it radiates into every area of life, confirming that loving God wholeheartedly and embracing His kingdom is not only the top priority but the very reason for humanity’s existence.