Putting God first is essential for Christians, guiding our daily lives and decisions. The Bible provides many verses that emphasise prioritising our relationship with Him. By centring our hearts on God, we align our desires with His will, helping us face life’s challenges with faith.
Matthew 6:33 encourages us to seek God’s kingdom first, promising that everything else will follow. Regularly engaging with Scripture deepens our understanding of honouring God in all we do. These teachings inspire us to live intentionally, reflecting our devotion to Him and leading to a more fulfilling Christian journey.
Bible Verses About Putting God First
1. Matthew 6:33
“But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.”
This verse encourages us to prioritise God in everything we do. It reminds us that when we focus on God and live according to His will, everything else falls into place. Instead of worrying about material needs, we are called to trust in God’s provision. By putting Him first, we demonstrate our faith in His ability to meet our needs.
Seeking God’s kingdom first transforms our perspective on life. It shifts our focus from earthly desires to eternal values. When God is at the centre of our lives, our priorities align with His, leading us to peace and fulfilment that surpasses worldly pursuits. This verse is a powerful reminder that God rewards those who make Him their primary focus.
2. Proverbs 3:6
“In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.”
Acknowledging God in all our ways means recognising His authority and seeking His guidance in every decision. It’s easy to rely on our own understanding, but this verse teaches that when we honour God first, He will guide us. His direction brings clarity and wisdom that we cannot achieve on our own.
When we put God first, He takes the lead in our lives. This brings a sense of trust and security, knowing that we are not navigating life’s challenges alone. Trusting God to direct our paths means surrendering control, which is difficult, but leads to a life marked by purpose and divine direction.
3. Colossians 3:17
“And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.”
This verse highlights the importance of living with a mindset that honours God in everything. Whether through actions or words, we are called to reflect Christ in all that we do. Putting God first means allowing Him to influence every aspect of our lives, making sure our deeds glorify Him.
Gratitude is also a key element in putting God first. By giving thanks in all circumstances, we acknowledge God’s sovereignty and His place in our lives. This verse is a reminder that everything we do should be done with the intention of honouring and glorifying God.
4. Psalm 37:5
“Commit thy way unto the Lord; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass.”
Committing our way to the Lord means placing our lives, decisions, and plans in His hands. It’s an act of surrender that requires faith and trust in God’s perfect timing and wisdom. When we put God first, we trust that He will bring about what is best for us.
This verse assures us that God will work things out for our good if we place our trust in Him. By making God our priority, we are aligning ourselves with His purpose and plan. This leads to a life of peace and confidence in God’s faithful promises.
5. Luke 10:27
“And he answering said, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbour as thyself.”
This verse calls for complete devotion to God. To love God with all our heart, soul, strength, and mind is to put Him first in every area of our lives. It is a holistic approach to worship, one that encompasses our thoughts, emotions, and actions.
Putting God first is not a one-time event but a continual practice of loving Him deeply and passionately. This verse also teaches that loving God includes loving others. When God is first in our lives, His love flows through us, enabling us to love our neighbours as ourselves.
6. Exodus 20:3
“Thou shalt have no other gods before me.”
God’s command in this verse is clear: nothing should take precedence over Him in our lives. Whether it’s material possessions, relationships, or ambitions, nothing should become an idol that distracts us from God. He alone is worthy of our worship and devotion.
Putting God first means examining our hearts to ensure that He is the priority. When we obey this command, we establish a healthy spiritual foundation. It is a reminder that God is not just part of our lives, but the very centre of it.
7. Deuteronomy 6:5
“And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might.”
This verse is a call to wholehearted love and devotion to God. Loving God with all our heart, soul, and might is a commitment to put Him above everything else in life. It requires us to surrender all parts of our being to Him, making Him the centre of our existence.
When we put God first, we are expressing our love through obedience, trust, and worship. This kind of love is active and deliberate, shaping our choices and priorities. God desires to be first in our lives, not out of obligation, but because of His deep love for us.
8. Philippians 4:6
“Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.”
This verse encourages us to place our concerns and needs before God through prayer. By prioritising prayer, we are showing that we trust God’s wisdom and provision. When we put God first, we are less anxious because we know that He is in control.
Prayer is an act of faith that acknowledges God’s sovereignty. When we seek God first in prayer, we experience peace that transcends understanding. This verse serves as a reminder that putting God first includes turning to Him in times of need, with gratitude in our hearts.
9. Psalm 16:8
“I have set the Lord always before me: because he is at my right hand, I shall not be moved.”
Putting God first means keeping Him at the forefront of our thoughts and decisions. This verse reflects a deep commitment to place God at the centre of everything. When we do this, we are strengthened by His presence and find stability in times of uncertainty.
God’s constant presence gives us confidence and courage. When we put Him first, we are reminded that we are never alone. This assurance allows us to stand firm, even in the face of challenges, knowing that God is by our side.
10. Matthew 10:37
“He that loveth father or mother more than me is not worthy of me: and he that loveth son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me.”
This verse presents a strong statement about the importance of putting God first, even above family. It is not about neglecting our loved ones but about ensuring that our love for God surpasses all other relationships. God deserves our utmost devotion.
When we put God first, we are aligning ourselves with His will. This verse challenges us to examine our hearts and ensure that God is the highest priority. It reminds us that true discipleship requires total commitment to Christ above all else.
11. Psalm 27:4
“One thing have I desired of the Lord, that will I seek after; that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the Lord, and to enquire in his temple.”
David expresses a deep desire for God, placing Him first above all else. His longing is not for wealth or power but to dwell in God’s presence continually. This reveals a heart committed to seeking God first, recognising that true fulfilment comes from being close to Him.
When we prioritise God in our lives, we experience His beauty and peace. Like David, we should seek to make God’s presence the centre of our lives. This verse encourages us to continually pursue a deeper relationship with God, for it is in His presence that we find our true home.
12. James 4:8
“Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded.”
This verse invites us to draw closer to God, assuring us that He will respond when we seek Him first. To put God first means to approach Him with sincere hearts, free from distractions or divided loyalties. It’s about focusing our lives on Him and purifying our hearts to make space for His presence.
Drawing near to God requires effort and intention. When we prioritise God, we experience a closer, more intimate relationship with Him. This verse reminds us that God is ready to meet us when we seek Him earnestly and put Him above all else.
13. Isaiah 55:6
“Seek ye the Lord while he may be found, call ye upon him while he is near.”
This verse calls us to seek God while we have the opportunity. It serves as a reminder that putting God first is not something we should delay or take lightly. Life is fleeting, and we are encouraged to prioritise God now, while we have the chance to draw near to Him.
By seeking God first, we open ourselves to His guidance and grace. This verse is a powerful reminder that our time on earth is limited, and we must make God our top priority while we can. Putting Him first leads to a life filled with purpose and divine connection.
14. Mark 12:30
“And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength: this is the first commandment.”
Jesus emphasises here that the greatest commandment is to love God with every part of our being. This means putting God first in every aspect of our lives—emotionally, mentally, physically, and spiritually. Loving God fully ensures that He remains our top priority.
This holistic devotion is a constant, active expression of our faith. It is not enough to love God in some areas while neglecting others. When we put God first in all things, we fulfil the greatest commandment and live in alignment with His will.
15. Psalm 46:10
“Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth.”
This verse calls us to pause and recognise God’s sovereignty. Putting God first sometimes means slowing down and allowing ourselves to be still in His presence. In our fast-paced world, it can be difficult to make time for God, but this verse reminds us that stillness brings awareness of His greatness.
When we are still and focus on God, we gain a deeper understanding of His power and authority. This verse encourages us to prioritise time with God, knowing that in stillness, we find peace and strength in His presence.
16. John 3:30
“He must increase, but I must decrease.”
John the Baptist’s words reflect the heart of putting God first. It’s a recognition that our lives should be about magnifying Christ, not ourselves. When we prioritise God, we allow His influence to grow while we humbly step back. This is the essence of true discipleship.
By putting God first, we submit our will to His and focus on exalting Him rather than pursuing our own desires. This verse reminds us that our lives are meant to glorify God, not ourselves. In doing so, we find true purpose and fulfilment.
17. 1 Chronicles 16:11
“Seek the Lord and his strength, seek his face continually.”
This verse encourages a continual pursuit of God. To seek His face is to make Him the focus of our lives, turning to Him in all circumstances. Putting God first is not a one-time event, but a lifelong journey of seeking His presence and strength daily.
When we consistently prioritise God, we find the strength and guidance we need. This verse calls us to a constant relationship with God, reminding us that true strength comes from seeking Him first in everything we do.
18. Joshua 24:15
“And if it seem evil unto you to serve the Lord, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served… but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.”
Joshua’s declaration is a powerful example of putting God first. He boldly states that regardless of what others choose, he and his household will serve the Lord. This verse calls us to make a firm decision to prioritise God above all other influences.
By choosing to serve God, we align our lives with His will and purpose. This decision to put God first is foundational for a life of faith and obedience. It challenges us to stand firm in our commitment to God, even when the world offers alternatives.
19. Romans 12:1
“I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.”
This verse challenges us to offer our entire selves to God as a living sacrifice. To put God first means surrendering our lives to Him in totality, allowing Him to direct our actions, thoughts, and desires. This act of worship is our reasonable service to the One who gave us everything.
Presenting ourselves as a living sacrifice is not a passive action but an ongoing, daily decision. When we prioritise God, we acknowledge that our lives belong to Him. This verse reminds us that true worship is living in a way that honours God in all we do.
20. Proverbs 16:3
“Commit thy works unto the Lord, and thy thoughts shall be established.”
This verse encourages us to commit all our works to God. When we put God first by entrusting our plans, actions, and efforts to Him, He will establish our thoughts and guide our steps. It’s a promise that God will lead us when we make Him the foundation of our lives.
By committing our works to God, we acknowledge His sovereignty over our lives. This verse reassures us that when God is first, our plans are aligned with His will, leading to success and fulfilment that comes from His guidance.
21. Matthew 6:24
“No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.”
This verse clearly illustrates that we cannot divide our loyalties between God and worldly pursuits. Serving God means making Him the master of our lives, where everything we do is aligned with His purpose. To put God first, we must choose Him above material possessions or other distractions.
When we try to serve both God and worldly desires, our devotion becomes conflicted, and we lose focus on what truly matters. This verse reminds us that serving God requires complete dedication and prioritising Him over all else, ensuring our lives remain centred on His will.
22. 1 Samuel 12:24
“Only fear the Lord, and serve him in truth with all your heart: for consider how great things he hath done for you.”
Samuel reminds the people of Israel to fear and serve the Lord with all their hearts. This verse speaks of wholehearted service to God, motivated by gratitude for the great things He has done. When we put God first, we acknowledge His goodness and respond with genuine devotion.
Serving God with all our hearts requires sincerity and commitment. As we reflect on God’s blessings, we are encouraged to prioritise Him in every aspect of our lives. This verse calls us to remember God’s faithfulness and to put Him above all else in our service and actions.
23. Deuteronomy 6:5
“And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might.”
This commandment from Moses encapsulates the essence of putting God first—complete and total love for Him. To love God with all our heart, soul, and might is to place Him at the centre of everything we are and do. This level of devotion leaves no room for competing interests.
Loving God fully means that every part of our lives is surrendered to His will. By putting Him first in our hearts and actions, we demonstrate a love that encompasses our entire being. This verse challenges us to examine our priorities and ensure that God is always at the forefront.
24. Philippians 3:8
“Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ.”
Paul declares that everything in life pales in comparison to knowing Christ. He is willing to lose everything for the sake of gaining a deeper relationship with Jesus. This verse encourages us to value our relationship with God above all earthly achievements or possessions.
When we put God first, we recognise that nothing else holds the same value. Paul’s attitude of counting all things as loss reflects the heart of true discipleship, where Christ becomes our greatest treasure. This verse reminds us that pursuing God is worth any sacrifice we make.
25. Psalm 37:4
“Delight thyself also in the Lord; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart.”
This verse reveals the beautiful promise that when we find our delight in God, He aligns our desires with His will and grants them accordingly. To put God first means to take joy in Him, trusting that He knows what is best for us. When we prioritise God, our desires naturally become more aligned with His purpose.
Delighting in God requires a heart that seeks Him above all else. It’s about finding joy and satisfaction in His presence. As we focus on Him, God shapes our desires, ensuring that they are for His glory and our good. This verse encourages us to trust in God’s provision as we put Him first.
26. Colossians 3:2
“Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.”
This verse instructs us to focus our attention and affections on heavenly things rather than earthly concerns. To put God first is to keep our eyes fixed on eternal matters, recognising that the things of this world are temporary. Our affections should be rooted in God’s kingdom and His righteousness.
By setting our minds on things above, we ensure that our priorities reflect God’s will rather than the fleeting desires of the world. This verse challenges us to maintain a heavenly perspective, keeping God as our highest priority and guiding our thoughts and actions accordingly.
27. Proverbs 3:9
“Honour the Lord with thy substance, and with the firstfruits of all thine increase.”
This verse teaches the importance of honouring God with our resources, especially the first and best portions. By offering the firstfruits of our income and blessings, we demonstrate that God is our priority. It’s a way of acknowledging His provision and expressing gratitude through our giving.
Honouring God with our wealth is a tangible way to put Him first in our lives. This practice reflects trust in God’s ability to provide and a heart that values Him above material possessions. When we prioritise God with our resources, we invite His blessings and provision into our lives.
28. Matthew 10:37
“He that loveth father or mother more than me is not worthy of me: and he that loveth son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me.”
Jesus presents a challenging truth here, stating that our love for Him must surpass even the love we have for our closest family members. To put God first means that no earthly relationship should take precedence over our devotion to Him. Christ calls for complete and undivided loyalty.
While family relationships are important, Jesus emphasises that God must be our highest priority. This verse challenges us to examine where our ultimate allegiance lies and reminds us that following Christ requires placing Him above all other loves, even the deepest human connections.
29. Psalm 63:1
“O God, thou art my God; early will I seek thee: my soul thirsteth for thee, my flesh longeth for thee in a dry and thirsty land, where no water is.”
David expresses a deep longing for God, seeking Him earnestly in a time of spiritual dryness. To put God first is to have a soul that thirsts for Him above all else, recognising that only He can satisfy our deepest needs. This verse reflects a heart fully committed to seeking God.
When we prioritise God, we become like David, who sought the Lord with urgency and passion. This verse encourages us to pursue God in both good times and difficult ones, knowing that He alone can quench the thirst of our souls.
30. Luke 9:23
“And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me.”
Jesus calls His followers to a life of self-denial and daily commitment. To put God first means denying our own desires and submitting to God’s will each day. Taking up our cross is a metaphor for the sacrifices we make in following Christ, prioritising Him over our own comfort or ambitions.
This verse highlights the cost of discipleship, reminding us that putting God first requires daily action and intentional choices. When we deny ourselves and follow Christ, we align our lives with His purpose, demonstrating true commitment to His calling.
Conclusion
Putting God first transforms our faith and strengthens our relationship with Him. The Bible offers guidance on prioritising our spiritual lives, reminding us that true fulfilment comes from aligning with His will. When we seek His kingdom first, we can face life’s challenges with purpose and experience the peace that comes from trusting His plan.
By making God our top priority each day, we ensure our actions reflect His love and guidance. Ultimately, prioritising God enriches our Christian lives, helping us shine His light and draw others closer to Him.