Definition and Importance
Putting God first is a foundational principle in Christian theology, emphasizing the prioritization of God above all else in a believer's life. This concept is rooted in the understanding that God is the supreme authority and source of all life, deserving of utmost reverence, obedience, and devotion. It involves aligning one's thoughts, actions, and priorities with God's will as revealed in Scripture.

Biblical Basis
The call to put God first is woven throughout the Bible, beginning with the Ten Commandments. In Exodus 20:3, God commands, "You shall have no other gods before Me." This directive establishes the precedence of God over all other allegiances and affections. Similarly, Deuteronomy 6:5 instructs, "Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength," underscoring the comprehensive nature of this devotion.

In the New Testament, Jesus reiterates this principle in Matthew 6:33, saying, "But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added unto you." Here, Jesus emphasizes the importance of prioritizing God's kingdom and righteousness above material concerns, assuring believers that their needs will be met when they do so.

Practical Application
Putting God first involves several practical steps for believers. It requires daily commitment to prayer, study of the Scriptures, and worship, fostering a deeper relationship with God. It also means making decisions that reflect God's values and commands, even when they conflict with societal norms or personal desires.

Financial stewardship is another area where putting God first is evident. Proverbs 3:9-10 advises, "Honor the LORD with your wealth and with the firstfruits of all your harvest; then your barns will be filled with plenty, and your vats will overflow with new wine." This passage highlights the importance of prioritizing God in financial matters, trusting Him to provide abundantly.

Challenges and Rewards
Believers may face challenges in putting God first, such as societal pressures, personal ambitions, and competing priorities. However, the rewards of doing so are profound. Psalm 37:4 promises, "Delight yourself in the LORD, and He will give you the desires of your heart." This verse suggests that when one's desires align with God's will, He fulfills them in ways that bring true satisfaction and joy.

Moreover, putting God first leads to spiritual growth and maturity, as believers learn to trust in God's provision and guidance. It fosters a sense of peace and purpose, knowing that one's life is aligned with the Creator's perfect plan.

Examples in Scripture
Numerous biblical figures exemplify the principle of putting God first. Abraham's willingness to sacrifice Isaac (Genesis 22) demonstrates his unwavering faith and obedience to God. Daniel's refusal to worship the king's statue (Daniel 3) illustrates his commitment to God's commandments despite the threat of persecution.

In the New Testament, the apostles' dedication to spreading the Gospel, even in the face of imprisonment and martyrdom, serves as a powerful testament to their prioritization of God's mission over personal safety and comfort.

Conclusion
While the entry does not include a conclusion, it is evident that putting God first is a central tenet of the Christian faith, calling believers to a life of devotion, obedience, and trust in God's sovereignty. Through Scripture and the examples of faithful individuals, Christians are encouraged to prioritize their relationship with God above all else, experiencing the fullness of life that comes from living in accordance with His will.Matthew 6:33
But seek you first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added to you.
Topicalbible.org

Psalm 37:4
Delight yourself also in the LORD: and he shall give you the desires of your heart.
Topicalbible.org

The Structure of the Lord's Prayer
... The sum of this first half is, 'Thy will be done, as in ... is free in surrender, strong
in self-abnegation, and restful in putting the reins into God's hands ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture a/the structure of the lords.htm

Of the Praise of Solitary Life and of the First Lovers Thereof ...
... First, therefore, he commends the freeness of grace, when he ... the wild ass loose?'
Second, the putting away of ... after the tempest of ill movings God insheds the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/rolle/the fire of love/chapter xiv of the praise.htm

The World Created by God through the Word.
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"created" stands before "God.". ... understands that when in the first verse it ...
/.../theophilus/theophilus to autolycus/chapter x the world created by.htm

"But Seek Ye First the Kingdom of God," &C.
... sinners are building up the breach of the old covenant, putting up props ... to Jesus,
the "King of kings, and Lord of lords," the first-born of God's creation ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/sermon xvi but seek ye.htm

Prayer and Consecration
... all we expect to have or be, to God first of all ... It is a separation of one's self
to God, a devotement ... It is the voluntary putting of one's self in God's hands ...
/.../bounds/the essentials of prayer/viii prayer and consecration.htm

The Decalogue: I --Man and God
... pure and undefiled service' of God is the service of man, and should beware of putting
asunder what God has joined so closely. II. The first commandment bears ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture k/the decalogue iman and god.htm

God Known by his Works his Goodness Shown in his Creative Energy ...
... The first goodness, then, [2727] was that of the ... account worthy of the Divine Being,
putting to shame for ... 2738] the benevolence of Marcion's god, subsequent as ...
/.../tertullian/the five books against marcion/chapter iii god known by his.htm

That the First Circumcision of the Flesh is Made Void, and the ...
... not made with hands in the putting off of the flesh, but with the circumcision of
Christ." [3860] Also, because Adam was first made by God uncircumcised, and ...
/.../three books of testimonies against the jews/8 that the first circumcision.htm

Of the First Covenant.
... threatened,"if he had not been induced first to doubt ... friendship; there needed none
to mediate between God and man ... his own sense too, and so putting over his ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/lecture xxii of the first.htm

Prayerless Christians
... This is but another version of the phrase, "putting God into business," the ... of the
primary business of life, and to it God has called men, first of all. ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/bounds/the weapon of prayer/v prayerless christians.htm

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