One of the most recurring and fundamental themes in Scripture is the exhortation to prioritize God. The Bible verses about God first exhorts believers to put God above all else, including material belongings, interpersonal connections, aspirations, and even oneself, through the Ten Commandments and Jesus’ teachings. This is a call to live a life that is in harmony with everlasting purpose, where God is not an afterthought but rather the focal point of everything we do, and it goes beyond simple religious obligation. These Bible veses about God first push and encourage us to make seeking God’s righteousness and kingdom our top priority.
Putting God first entails giving our lives, decisions, and priorities to Him on a daily basis; it goes beyond simply going to church or praying. It involves letting His Word influence every aspect of our life and having faith that His method is superior than ours. The Bible verses about God first promises that everything else we require will be added to us if we seek Him first. This does not imply a life without hardships, but rather one that is full of calm, purpose, and divine direction.
The bible verses about God first is filled with examples of people who thrived when they put God first, such as Abraham, who obeyed without question; David, who put God’s heart above power; and Mary, who knelt at Jesus’ feet rather than being preoccupied with duty. We are reminded by these tales that God rewards those who honor Him. When we put Him first, He directs our actions, rewards our endeavors, and clears up confusion.
Allow these Bible passages about prioritizing God to refocus your attention and rekindle your faith as you reflect on them. God is calling us back to a life where He is the center of our hearts in a world full of distractions. He deserves our first and finest; he is not satisfied with second place. Everything else in life finds its rightful place when God comes first.
30 Most Effective Bible Verses About God First in 2025
1. Matthew 6:33
“But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.”
Jesus offers a clear directive on priorities in life: God’s kingdom must come first. In a world that promotes the pursuit of wealth, status, and comfort, this verse stands as a divine call to reorder our desires. When we place God and His righteousness at the center, everything else—provision, peace, purpose—falls into its rightful place. It’s not a suggestion but a promise grounded in divine order.
2. Exodus 20:3
“You shall have no other gods before me.”
This is the foundational commandment that calls for total allegiance to God. In a society full of idols—both ancient and modern—God commands exclusivity. To put God first means to dethrone anything that competes for our love, time, or trust. It’s a reminder that spiritual faithfulness begins with undivided loyalty.
3. Deuteronomy 6:5
“Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength.”
This verse captures the essence of a God-first life. Love that is partial or compartmentalized is not sufficient. God deserves our entire being—emotionally, spiritually, and physically. Putting Him first is not just about priorities but about wholehearted devotion.
4. Proverbs 3:5-6
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.”
Trusting God above our own reasoning and plans is one of the truest ways to put Him first. This passage teaches us that when we surrender our ways to God, He not only guides us but clears the way forward. Putting God first leads to divine direction.
5. Colossians 1:18
“…so that in everything he might have the supremacy.”
Paul describes the preeminence of Christ, emphasizing His rightful place as head over all. Jesus is not to be an accessory to life, but its supreme ruler. When we put Christ first, everything else submits under His authority and glory.
6. Psalm 37:4
“Delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart.”
When our joy is rooted in God, our desires begin to align with His will. Putting God first reshapes what we long for and leads to fulfillment that is holy, deep, and lasting.
7. Joshua 24:15
“But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord.”
Joshua declares his family’s unwavering commitment to God above all other influences. Prioritizing God in the home establishes a spiritual legacy. A God-first life starts with intentional leadership and bold declarations of faith.
8. Mark 12:30
“Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.”
Jesus reiterates the greatest commandment, emphasizing complete love and loyalty to God. It’s a call to prioritize God not just in action, but in affection, intellect, and physical energy.
9. Luke 14:26
“If anyone comes to me and does not hate father and mother, wife and children… such a person cannot be my disciple.”
This challenging verse highlights the cost of discipleship. Putting God first may require difficult sacrifices, even distancing from relationships that hinder our spiritual walk. It’s not about neglecting others but exalting God above all.
10. Revelation 2:4
“Yet I hold this against you: You have forsaken the love you had at first.”
God desires our first and deepest love. This rebuke to the Ephesian church reminds us that fervent ministry means little without a heart fully devoted to Him. Returning to a God-first love is vital for spiritual health.
11. Psalm 16:8
“I keep my eyes always on the Lord. With him at my right hand, I will not be shaken.”
The psalmist demonstrates a life anchored in God’s presence. Fixing our gaze on the Lord ensures spiritual stability. Prioritizing God gives us unshakeable confidence, even amid uncertainty or trial.
12. Galatians 2:20
“I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me…”
Paul’s radical surrender shows that putting God first means dying to self. His identity, purpose, and existence revolve around Christ. This verse challenges believers to replace self-centered living with Christ-centered devotion.
13. Romans 12:1
“Offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship.”
True worship isn’t confined to songs or Sunday services—it’s about offering our whole selves daily to God. Placing Him first requires sacrifice, surrender, and sanctification.
14. Psalm 27:4
“One thing I ask from the Lord… that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life…”
David’s single-minded desire was intimacy with God. This verse beautifully expresses the heart of someone who places God above all earthly pursuits. Seeking His presence becomes the soul’s ultimate ambition.
15. Isaiah 26:8
“Your name and renown are the desire of our hearts.”
The prophet reveals a heart that longs for God’s fame and glory. Putting God first means desiring His name to be lifted above our own, and His will to be done over our plans.
16. Philippians 3:8
“I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord…”
Paul discards every worldly gain in light of knowing Christ. This verse embodies the heart posture of placing God first—valuing Him as infinitely greater than all earthly achievements.
17. 1 Chronicles 16:11
“Look to the Lord and his strength; seek his face always.”
A continual pursuit of God reveals a life centered around Him. Prioritizing God means consistently turning to Him for strength, guidance, and intimacy, not just during emergencies.
18. Psalm 73:25
“Whom have I in heaven but you? And earth has nothing I desire besides you.”
This verse expresses complete dependency and desire for God above all. Earthly treasures fade in comparison to divine fellowship. A God-first mindset recognizes that He is our ultimate portion.
19. John 3:30
“He must become greater; I must become less.”
John the Baptist models humility and submission. When we put God first, our ego decreases while His glory increases. It’s not about spotlighting ourselves, but magnifying Christ.
20. Isaiah 33:6
“He will be the sure foundation for your times, a rich store of salvation and wisdom and knowledge…”
God offers stability and wisdom in unstable times. Making Him our foundation ensures we’re anchored in unshakable truth. A God-first life is built on the solid rock of His character.
21. Psalm 90:14
“Satisfy us in the morning with your unfailing love…”
Starting each day with God sets the tone for joy and satisfaction. This verse encourages daily dependence and spiritual prioritization. Morning devotion is a powerful way to keep God first.
22. Deuteronomy 10:12
“…what does the Lord your God ask of you but to fear the Lord your God, to walk in obedience to him…”
God calls for a life shaped by reverence and obedience. Putting Him first involves our will, our walk, and our worship. It’s not passive belief but active alignment with His commands.
23. Matthew 10:37
“Anyone who loves their father or mother more than me is not worthy of me…”
Jesus confronts the heart directly—nothing and no one should come before Him. This verse emphasizes that loving Christ supremely is non-negotiable for true discipleship.
24. Hebrews 12:2
“Fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith…”
To run the race of life well, our focus must be on Jesus. Distractions abound, but a God-first life is marked by unwavering attention to the Author of our salvation.
25. Luke 10:27
“Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind…”
This verse encapsulates total devotion. Loving God with every faculty of our being is the essence of putting Him first. It’s comprehensive love that leaves no room for divided loyalty.
26. Psalm 63:1
“You, God, are my God, earnestly I seek you…”
David’s thirst for God in a dry land symbolizes spiritual hunger. Putting God first means seeking Him with urgency and desire, especially in spiritually barren seasons.
27. Micah 6:8
“…what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.”
A God-first life expresses itself in ethical living and humble submission. It’s not about ritual, but about walking in step with God’s heart and values.
28. 1 Peter 3:15
“But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord.”
Reverence begins in the heart. This verse calls for internal enthronement of Christ as Lord, which naturally leads to external evidence of His lordship in our lives.
29. Revelation 3:20
“Here I am! I stand at the door and knock…”
God desires first place in our hearts and homes. This verse reminds us of the importance of inviting Him in—not just once, but continually keeping Him at the center of our lives.
30. Genesis 1:1
“In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth.”
The Bible begins with God—so should our lives. He is the source and initiator of all things. Putting God first is acknowledging His rightful place in creation and in our hearts.
Conclusion
Prioritizing God is the secret to a happy and purposeful life, not just a directive. The Bible makes it abundantly evident that when we put God first, everything else falls into place. Setting Him first does not imply that we disregard our obligations or wants; rather, it implies that we consider His will in every choice, interaction, and endeavor. These verses serve as a reminder that a life that is focused on God is one that is peaceful, clear, and favored by God.
It’s simple to lose focus in a society full with competing priorities and diversions. Scripture, however, constantly reminds us that God is worthy of our best efforts. Prioritizing Him shows our faith in His sovereignty and our desire to honor Him, regardless of the time, finances, or decisions we make. The promises of provision, direction, and spiritual development that come with this obedience are not just platitudes; they are the results of innumerable obedient lives.
Let these Bible passages serve as a guide for you as you consider living a life that centers on God. Ask the Holy Spirit to assist you in reevaluating your priorities and bringing your life into line with God’s. Everything else finds blessing, purpose, and order when He comes first. Make the choice to prioritize God at the beginning of each day, and observe how He changes every aspect of your life.
