From social influence to financial pursuit, the world is filled with voices competing for our devotion and attention.
These could be legitimate desires, but they shouldn’t distract us from making God a priority and dwelling in intimacy with God as a lifestyle. Because the true source of life is God, and without Him, there is no meaning or fulfillment in life.
If you’re wondering “where in the Bible does it says to make God a priority?” Matthew 22:37–38 provides a concise answer:
Jesus said, “‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ This is the first and great commandment.”
The Scriptures detail how Jesus placed God’s commands at the forefront of His entire existence. Living for God’s pleasure was His motive right from His birth, to His steps, to His eventual death, burial, and resurrection. If we are Christlike, we will do as He did—and not only in words, but also in deeds.
How Do I Make God a Priority in My Life?
Here are five ways to make God a priority as a Christian, whether you’re struggling with the concept or seeking deeper intimacy with your Father.
1. Cultivate a Consistent Prayer Life
There’s no honest relationship that is not built on communication. Whether it’s a platonic relationship or romantic partnership, communication is the foundation, and if you want the relationship to hold depth, the conversations must be intentional and deep as well.
For Christians, prayer is how we connect and stay connected with God. It’s not just a routine you carry out to check the boxes or fulfill all righteousness. It’s how we express our affection, adoration, and desires to Him.
No matter how long or short, take time each day to talk to your Lover.
2. Spend Time in God’s Word
The Word of God is both nourishment for your soul and good news from God.
It keeps your spirit and soul fit, just as physical nutrients do to your body when you feed on them regularly, if not daily.
It is also a mirror that reflects and redirects our thoughts, words, and actions. If you want to know God’s likes and dislikes, and how to avoid what displeases Him, the Bible is your surest road map.
3. Be a Doer of the Word, Not Only a Hearer
We can profess all we want and promise God our hearts and the deep seas, but obedience is the only proof of our sincerity towards Him.
God can’t be mocked, and He has children everywhere. In both faraway places and within hearts we don’t even know, God is honored and reverenced rightly.
That’s why, if we really love Him, we must move beyond the words of our mouth and the meditations of our hearts to measurable obedience. And don’t forget, He is a righteous judge.
So, do you really love Him? Then be a doer of His Word, not only a hearer or talker.
4. Surround Yourself with a Christian Community
Whether there are rumors of war or not, Christians are soldiers, and we are in constant battle in this life.
We are stronger when we’re surrounded by fellow soldiers who can boost our morale or cover us when we are low. Their love for God will motivate and push you closer to Him, not away from Him.
In a Christian community, we are not only strengthened by others, but we can also offer help when the brethren are weak. God strengthens us all. For “loving others as ourselves” is the second greatest commandment Jesus taught us.
Therefore, volunteer in your local church or Christian community. Participate in projects that help others, share with those who don’t have enough, or simply be there as a friend to someone who needs it.
Service keeps us God-conscious, as it’s a command from Him, and this deserves to be a priority.
5. Practice Gratitude and Worship Every Day
One way to bring God into everything is to thank Him for everything. For the things that bless you, and for the lessons that come from the things that didn’t work out as you expected.
As Christians, every time we show gratitude instead of focusing on our problems, we realign our priorities and fix our gaze on Jesus.
Keep in mind that Jesus is especially interested in people who are grateful. We saw Him inquiring about the presence of the other nine lepers who were healed when only one returned to give thanks.
Gratitude is a test of your heart, as we see how Jesus used it to seal the healing of the one grateful leper. Yes, others were healed, too, but this one was healed and made whole. That’s a different reality altogether.
Stay in the place of daily worship and gratitude.
What Are the Benefits of Prioritizing God?
Putting God first is not burdensome. It’s a beautiful privilege to serve the One that loved us first. This life isn’t about trying to survive each day on our own strength. We are on a journey to an eternal home, and the Holy Spirit helps us sojourn successfully to our final destination if we let Him.
We get ahead simply by praying, studying the Word, and choosing to live Spirit-led lives. These daily choices lift us above the distractions of this world and help us move purposefully.
Now, you can do your own heart check. How are you going to prioritize God this season?
