“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
The Bible teaches us that putting God first is the most important thing we can do in our lives. This means making God the center of everything we do, think, and say. When we put God first, we show that we trust Him to guide us, provide for us, and take care of our needs. It is a way of saying that we believe He knows what is best for us, even when we do not understand everything that happens in life.
Putting God first means loving Him more than anyone or anything else. It means choosing to follow His ways and listen to His voice even when it is hard or when others do not agree. It requires us to make time for Him every day through prayer, worship, and learning about Him. When we put Him first, we make decisions that honor Him and bring glory to His name.
When we put God first, we also learn to trust Him more. Trusting God means believing that He is in control and that He cares about every part of our lives. When we face problems or challenges, we do not need to be afraid because we know that He is with us. Putting God first gives us peace in our hearts, even during difficult times.
It also means putting aside selfish desires and seeking what pleases God instead of only thinking about what we want. This could mean helping others, being kind, forgiving, or doing what is right even when it is not easy. When we live this way, it shows that God is the most important part of our lives, and it helps us grow closer to Him every day.
Putting God first is not always easy, but it is worth it. It brings joy, peace, and a deeper relationship with Him. It reminds us that He is our Creator, Savior, and the one who loves us more than anyone else ever could. When we choose to make Him our top priority, we are living the way He designed us to live, and our lives will be filled with His blessings and presence.
Also Read: Bible Verses About Redemption
Trusting God in Every Season
Putting God first means trusting Him wholeheartedly, no matter the season of life we are in. When we prioritize God above our plans, desires, and circumstances, we demonstrate faith that He is in control and knows what is best for us. Trusting God allows His purpose to unfold in our lives as we walk in His guidance and wisdom.
Proverbs 3:5-6
“Trust God from the bottom of your heart; don’t try to figure out everything on your own. Listen for God’s voice in everything you do, everywhere you go; he’s the one who will keep you on track.”
Jeremiah 29:11
“I know what I’m doing. I have it all planned out—plans to take care of you, not abandon you, plans to give you the future you hope for.”
Psalm 37:5
“Commit your way to the Lord; trust him! He’ll do it.”
Isaiah 26:3
“You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you.”
Matthew 11:28-30
“Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life.”
Seeking God First in Decision-Making
Putting God first involves seeking His direction before making decisions. Consulting God through prayer and His Word ensures that our choices align with His will. This habit deepens our relationship with Him and brings clarity and peace in times of uncertainty.
James 1:5
“If you don’t know what you’re doing, pray to the Father. He loves to help. You’ll get his help, and won’t be condescended to when you ask for it.”
Proverbs 16:3
“Put God in charge of your work, then what you’ve planned will take place.”
Psalm 119:105
“By your words I can see where I’m going; they throw a beam of light on my dark path.”
Colossians 3:17
“Let every detail in your lives—words, actions, whatever—be done in the name of the Master, Jesus, thanking God the Father every step of the way.”
Isaiah 30:21
“Your ears will hear a word behind you: ‘This is the way; walk in it,’ whenever you turn to the right or the left.”
God First in Relationships
Placing God at the center of our relationships ensures they are built on love, respect, and mutual purpose. When we prioritize God, our interactions reflect His character, bringing healing, unity, and growth to our relationships with others.
1 Corinthians 13:4-7
“Love never gives up. Love cares more for others than for self. Love doesn’t strut, doesn’t have a swelled head.”
Ecclesiastes 4:12
“By yourself you’re unprotected. With a friend you can face the worst. Can you round up a third? A three-stranded rope isn’t easily snapped.”
Ephesians 4:2
“Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.”
Colossians 3:13
“Be even-tempered, content with second place, quick to forgive an offense.”
Proverbs 17:17
“Friends love through all kinds of weather, and families stick together in all kinds of trouble.”
Relying on God for Provision
Putting God first involves trusting Him as our ultimate provider. Whether in abundance or lack, relying on God to meet our needs fosters contentment and gratitude, demonstrating our faith in His sufficiency and care for us.
Philippians 4:19
“You can be sure that God will take care of everything you need, his generosity exceeding even yours in the glory that pours from Jesus.”
Matthew 6:31-33
“If God gives such attention to the appearance of wildflowers—most of which are never even seen—don’t you think he’ll attend to you?”
2 Corinthians 9:8
“God can pour on the blessings in astonishing ways so that you’re ready for anything and everything.”
Psalm 23:1
“God, my shepherd! I don’t need a thing.”
Deuteronomy 8:18
“He’s the one who gives you strength to produce all this wealth so as to confirm the covenant he promised.”
Worshipping God Above All Else
Worship is a declaration of God’s worth and a reflection of His place in our lives. When we choose to worship God above all else, we affirm His sovereignty and allow His presence to transform our hearts and minds.
Exodus 20:3
“No other gods, only me.”
John 4:24
“God is sheer being itself—Spirit. Those who worship him must do it out of their very being, their spirits, their true selves, in adoration.”
Psalm 95:6
“So come, let us worship: bow before him, on your knees before God, who made us!”
Hebrews 12:28
“Do you see what we’ve got? An unshakable kingdom! And do you see how thankful we must be?”
Matthew 22:37
“Love the Lord your God with all your passion and prayer and intelligence.”
Obeying God’s Commands
Obedience is a tangible way to demonstrate our love and reverence for God. By prioritizing His commands, we align our lives with His will, becoming a reflection of His light to the world.
John 14:15
“If you love me, show it by doing what I’ve told you.”
Deuteronomy 11:1
“So love God, your God; guard well his rules and regulations; obey his commandments for the rest of time.”
Psalm 119:2
“You’re blessed when you stay on course, walking steadily on the road revealed by God.”
1 John 5:3
“The proof that we love God comes when we keep his commandments and they are not at all troublesome.”
Joshua 1:8
“Don’t for a minute let this Book of The Revelation be out of mind. Ponder and meditate on it day and night, making sure you practice everything written in it.”
Honoring God with Our Time
Putting God first means prioritizing Him in our daily schedules. Setting aside dedicated time for prayer, study, and reflection honors God and builds a closer relationship with Him, allowing His Spirit to guide us throughout the day.
Psalm 90:12
“Teach us to number our days so we can have a heart of wisdom.”
Ephesians 5:16
“So watch your step. Use your head. Make the most of every chance you get. These are desperate times!”
Mark 1:35
“While it was still night, way before dawn, he got up and went out to a secluded spot and prayed.”
Matthew 6:6
“Find a quiet, secluded place so you won’t be tempted to role-play before God.”
Psalm 46:10
“Step out of the traffic! Take a long, loving look at me, your High God.”
Living as a Witness for Christ
When we put God first, our lives become a testimony to His love and grace. Living as a witness for Christ means sharing His message through our words and actions, pointing others to the hope and salvation found in Him.
Matthew 5:16
“Keep open house; be generous with your lives. By opening up to others, you’ll prompt people to open up with God.”
Acts 1:8
“What you’ll get is the Holy Spirit. And when the Holy Spirit comes on you, you will be able to be my witnesses.”
1 Peter 3:15
“Be ready to speak up and tell anyone who asks why you’re living the way you are, and always with the utmost courtesy.”
2 Corinthians 5:20
“We’re Christ’s representatives. God uses us to persuade men and women to drop their differences and enter into God’s work.”
Matthew 28:19
“Go out and train everyone you meet, far and near, in this way of life.”
Christian Quotes on Putting God First
“When you put God first, everything falls into place. Or it falls out of your life. It’s as simple as that.”
– Cynthia Heald
“God is most glorified in us when we are most satisfied in Him.”
– John Piper
“Seek God first, and the rest will follow. Putting Him at the center brings clarity to life’s chaos.”
– Christine Caine
“Make God your treasure, and your heart will follow.”
– Francis Chan
“When Christ is our foundation, every aspect of our lives finds its rightful place.”
– Billy Graham
“To put God first is to lay down your desires and surrender your plans for the sake of His glory.”
– Charles Spurgeon
“God never comes second; our lives are most blessed when He is always first.”
– Joyce Meyer
“Faith is about trusting God’s timing and will over our own. Keep Him first.”
– Rick Warren
“Putting God first reshapes your perspective. The trials of this world grow dim in the light of His eternal plan.”
– A.W. Tozer
“Align your priorities with God’s will, and your path will be one of peace and purpose.”
– Tony Evans
Final Thought
Putting God first is more than a spiritual ideal—it is the foundation of a fulfilling and purpose-driven life. By prioritizing God in our hearts, decisions, relationships, and daily routines, we invite His peace, wisdom, and provision into every aspect of our lives. This commitment transforms us from the inside out, making us vessels of His love and grace in a world in need.
When we seek Him first, He aligns our steps with His divine purpose, ensuring that we lack nothing essential for this journey. As this article highlights through scripture and wisdom from Christian leaders, surrendering to God is not a loss but a gain of life eternal and abundant. May we each strive daily to put God first, trusting in His promises and finding joy in His presence, now and forevermore.