In Romans 12, the apostle Paul urges Christians to offer their lives as living sacrifices in response to God’s mercy. Jesus gave everything for us, and we honor that sacrifice when we choose to put God first in our daily lives. Pursuing a life of spiritual significance starts with aligning our actions, thoughts, and relationships with God’s purpose for us.
A Reason to Pursue God
Choosing to follow God with your whole heart isn’t always easy, but what’s the alternative? Walking away from faith may seem effortless, but it comes with deep emptiness and regret. If you’re surrounded by people who don’t share your values, your journey will be harder. Just like you wouldn’t reach your fitness goals while hanging around people who lack discipline, your spiritual growth will suffer if your environment isn’t aligned with your faith.
If you’re serious about your faith, begin building a circle of influence that supports the life you’re trying to live. Put God first and make the necessary changes today… your future depends on it!
Five Steps to Help You Put God First
If you’re looking for a spiritual reset or simply want to strengthen your walk with God, these five simple steps can help you re-center your heart and create lasting habits:
1. Give Thanks
“We give thanks to you, O God… we recount your wondrous deeds.” – Psalms 75:1 ESV
Take a moment right now to thank God. Recall His faithfulness and the moments where His grace carried you. Even when life is painful, gratitude can shift your perspective and open your heart.
2. Spend 5 Minutes in Silence
“Abide in me, and I in you.” – John 15:4 ESV
Stillness creates space for God to speak. Breathe deeply, quiet your mind, and give every concern over to Him. Even five focused minutes can transform your day.
3. Remember Whose You Are
“You are not your own, for you were bought with a price.” – 1 Corinthians 6:19–20 ESV
God paid the ultimate price to call you His own. Remind yourself that you belong to Him—and that truth gives you identity, value, and purpose.
4. Meditate on God’s Word
“Oh how I love your law! It is my meditation all the day.” – Psalms 119:97 ESV
Regular time in Scripture is key to understanding how Jesus lived—and how we should live. Want a fast-track guide to get started? Check out our post on Learn The Bible in 24 Hours.
5. Focus on What Is Excellent
“…If there is any excellence… think about these things.” – Philippians 4:8 ESV
Use your God-given mind to reflect on what’s noble, praiseworthy, and true. Ask yourself: What honors God? What thoughts produce peace and wisdom?
A Reason to Remain Focused
Create a “Good Things” list and review it regularly. If something, or someone, steals your peace, take action. Limiting your news intake or social media scrolling can make a big difference in maintaining spiritual clarity and emotional peace.
A Reason to Invest Your Time
Spiritual disciplines may seem small at first, but like compound interest, the long-term growth is extraordinary. By repeating these five steps daily, you’ll begin to form habits that naturally help you seek God first and experience deeper intimacy with Him.
For more on forming lasting habits that honor God, explore devotionals and reading plans in the YouVersion Bible App.
FAQs About Putting God First
It means making God your top priority in thoughts, decisions, time, and relationships, living in a way that reflects His values and truth.
Your environment influences your direction. Surrounding yourself with people who share your faith strengthens your walk with God.
Giving thanks, meditating on Scripture, spending time in silence, and reflecting on God’s truth are powerful daily practices.
Gratitude reminds you of God’s goodness, even in tough times. It fosters humility and draws you closer to Him in trust and worship.
Yes. Small, consistent actions build spiritual maturity over time, just like small savings build wealth through compound growth.
