What does it mean to prioritize God first?

Definition of Prioritizing God First

To prioritize God first entails acknowledging Him as the supreme authority in every sphere of life and actively ordering one’s thoughts, goals, and actions around that reality. This means recognizing His lordship over personal ambitions, decisions, finances, relationships, and moral choices. Scripture consistently affirms that love and obedience toward God are paramount to leading a life aligned with His will (cf. Deuteronomy 6:4–5).

Scriptural Basis: “Seek First the Kingdom”

One of the clearest biblical expressions of putting God first is found in Matthew 6:33: “But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added unto you.” Jesus here teaches that our foremost concern should be God’s rule and His moral uprightness, trusting that every other necessity—be it physical, emotional, or spiritual—flows from that primary pursuit.

Similarly, God’s first commandment—“You shall have no other gods before Me” (Exodus 20:3)—confirms that our affections and loyalties must be fundamentally anchored in Yahweh, excluding all competing idols or ultimate allegiances. The Old Testament’s Shema also presents this truth: “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” (Deuteronomy 6:4–5). These passages collectively reinforce the unwavering call to place God at the center of life.

Old Testament Illustrations

Throughout the Old Testament, individuals who placed God first experienced both challenges and blessings. For instance, Abraham chose to obey God’s call, leaving familiar surroundings and trusting His promises (Genesis 12:1–4). When tested further with Isaac, Abraham displayed unwavering commitment to God’s command, which resulted in divine provision and blessing (Genesis 22:12–14).

Likewise, Daniel exemplified prioritizing God in the face of hostile cultural pressures. By refusing to pray to the king or defile himself with forbidden foods, Daniel honored God over worldly power (Daniel 1:8; 6:10). God, in turn, vindicated Daniel with supernatural protection and wisdom.

New Testament Illustrations

In the New Testament, the disciples left occupations, personal comforts, and even family obligations to follow Jesus (Matthew 4:19–22). Their example demonstrates a willingness to place Christ at the forefront of life’s choices, even when it costs status or material security.

Paul, once a zealous persecutor of believers, declared everything else “loss” compared to knowing Christ (Philippians 3:7–8). By reorienting his entire existence around God’s plan, he bore remarkable fruit in planting churches and spreading the message of salvation through Christ’s resurrection.

Practical Expressions of Putting God First

• Daily Devotion and Worship: Setting aside focused time in prayer and reading the Word is a tangible way to acknowledge God’s supremacy. As noted in Psalm 119:105, “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.”

• Obedience in Decision-Making: Consulting God’s commands and principles (James 1:5) when navigating moral questions stands as a hallmark of prioritizing Him.

• Stewardship of Resources: Viewing finances, time, and talents as resources entrusted by Him fosters a servant-minded perspective (1 Peter 4:10).

• Commitment to Community: Recognizing that God calls believers to build up one another (Hebrews 10:24–25) underscores the relational dimension of putting Him first.

Archaeological and Historical Corroboration

Consistent historical and archaeological findings strengthen the credibility of biblical claims about God’s sovereign role. Discoveries such as the Dead Sea Scrolls highlight the remarkable preservation of Scriptural texts, bridging centuries and showcasing consistent content. Excavations at sites linked to biblical figures (e.g., the City of David in Jerusalem) demonstrate alignment between scriptural records and verifiable locations.

Additionally, the accounts of Jesus’ ministry, recorded by contemporaries and near-contemporaries, align with archaeological evidence (such as the Pool of Bethesda, unearthed consistent with the details of John 5). These confirmations support the reliability of the biblical narrative, thereby reinforcing the urgency to heed its directives on placing God first.

Philosophical and Behavioral Implications

Philosophically, prioritizing God addresses the fundamental question of meaning. When life is oriented around God’s character and purpose, individuals find a transcendence beyond worldly definitions of success or personal ambition. Behaviorally, it aligns daily duties with divine instruction, fostering integrity, self-sacrifice, and compassion.

From a psychological perspective, placing God at the helm shapes identity and motivation. This transcendent focus often results in resilience and hope, as individuals perceive their trials in the context of an overarching, eternal plan (Romans 8:28).

Eternal Significance

Scripture teaches that life’s purpose ultimately involves giving glory to God (1 Corinthians 10:31) and receiving from Him the gift of eternal life through Christ’s atoning death and resurrection (Romans 6:23; John 3:16). Elevating God above all ensures alignment with the redemptive story of Christ’s sacrifice, leading to genuine transformation and everlasting fellowship with Him.

Conclusion

Prioritizing God first means recognizing His ultimate authority and living accordingly. By placing love and obedience toward Him above all other pursuits, one experiences a rightly ordered life centered on the Creator. Scripture, supported by corroborating archaeological evidence and enduring manuscript reliability, provides a robust framework for why this should be humanity’s highest pursuit. Through consistent devotion, wise stewardship, and reliance on the divine Word, prioritizing God transforms both the present journey and the eternal destiny of those who heed His call.