Put God First

Putting God First in Every Area of Your Life

You might wonder why putting God first is so important. Maybe you’ve heard it in sermons, read it in the Bible, or even seen it on social media. But what does it really mean to put God first, and how can it transform your life? In our recent sermon series, “Dream to Destiny,” we explored the life of Joseph and how God prepared him for his destiny through various tests. One of the most crucial lessons we learned is the importance of putting God first in every area of our lives. This principle is not just about finances; it’s about making God the priority in everything we do. So, how can you start putting God first today?

The Principle of Testing

Have you ever felt like life is testing you? Whether it’s through challenges at work, struggles in relationships, or financial difficulties, we all face tests. The Bible is full of stories where God tests His people to teach them valuable lessons. Take Joseph, for example. God gave him dreams of greatness, but he had to go through many trials before he was ready to fulfill his destiny. These tests were not meant to make him fail but to prepare him for the future God had planned.

Why does God test us? It’s not to see us fail but to help us grow. Just like a teacher tests students to gauge their understanding, God tests us to refine our character and deepen our faith. James 1:2-4 (NIV) says, “Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.”

Tithing: A Test of Faith and Obedience

One of the ways God tests our faith and obedience is through our finances. Tithing, or giving the first 10% of our income to God, is a tangible way to demonstrate our trust in His provision. It’s not just an Old Testament principle; it’s a biblical principle that spans both the Old and New Testaments. Jesus Himself affirmed the importance of tithing in Matthew 23:23 (NLT), saying, “You should tithe, yes, but do not neglect the more important things.”

Why is tithing so important? It’s about putting God first. When we give the first 10% of our income to God, we are acknowledging His sovereignty and inviting His blessings into our lives. Proverbs 3:9-10 (NIV) says, “Honor the Lord with your wealth, with the firstfruits of all your crops; then your barns will be filled to overflowing, and your vats will brim over with new wine.” By prioritizing God in our finances, we are setting the stage for His blessings to overflow in every area of our lives.

Putting God First in Every Area

But putting God first isn’t just about money. It’s about every aspect of our lives. Whether it’s our relationships, careers, or daily decisions, when we prioritize God, we invite His guidance and blessings. Jesus modeled this perfectly. In Mark 14:35-36 (NLT), He prayed, “Abba, Father, everything is possible for you. Please take this cup of suffering away from me. Yet I want your will to be done, not mine.” Jesus showed us that putting God first means surrendering our own desires and seeking His will above all else.

How can you start putting God first today? Here are a few practical steps:

Start your day with prayer and Bible reading. Make it a habit to seek God’s guidance before making any decisions.
Prioritize your relationships. Make sure your interactions with family, friends, and colleagues reflect God’s love and grace.
Be generous with your time and resources. Look for opportunities to serve others and give back to your community.
Trust God with your finances. Begin tithing and watch how God blesses your obedience.

Conclusion

The point is, God wants to be first in every area of your life. When you put Him first, you invite His blessings and guidance into your life. So, what will you do this week to make God a priority? Will you start your day with prayer? Will you begin tithing? Will you seek to honor God in your relationships and decisions? Remember, putting God first is the key to unlocking His blessings in your life.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for teaching us the importance of putting You first in every area of our lives. Help us to trust You with our finances, relationships, and daily decisions. Give us the strength and wisdom to prioritize You above all else. May we experience Your blessings and guidance as we seek to honor You in everything we do. In Jesus’ name, Amen.