Explain Bible

What does the Bible say about putting god first?

Bible Topic · WEB

The Bible teaches that God must have first place in our hearts, desires, decisions, and worship, because he is our Creator, Redeemer, and highest good. Jesus calls us to seek first God’s kingdom and righteousness, trusting the Father to provide what we need rather than being ruled by anxiety or material pursuit (Matthew 6:31-33). We put God first by loving him with all our heart, soul, and mind (Matthew 22:37), committing our work to him (Proverbs 16:3), and storing treasure in heaven rather than on earth (Matthew 6:19-21). Since no one can serve both God and money (Matthew 6:24), believers set their minds on things above, living from their union with Christ (Colossians 3:1-4).

Top passages, ranked by readers

Rankings: OpenBible.info Topical Bible (CC BY) · Scripture: World English Bible

  • Matthew 6:33

    But seek first God's Kingdom, and his righteousness; and all these things will be given to you as well.

  • Matthew 6:31-33

    [31] "Therefore don't be anxious, saying, 'What will we eat?', 'What will we drink?' or, 'With what will we be clothed?' [32] For the Gentiles seek after all these things, for your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. [33] But seek first God's Kingdom, and his righteousness; and all these things will be given to you as well.

  • Proverbs 16:3

    Commit your deeds to Yahweh, And your plans shall succeed.

  • Matthew 6:19-21

    [19] "Don't lay up treasures for yourselves on the earth, where moth and rust consume, and where thieves break through and steal; [20] but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust consume, and where thieves don't break through and steal; [21] for where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

  • Matthew 6:24

    "No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other; or else he will be devoted to one and despise the other. You can't serve both God and Mammon.

  • Galatians 2:20

    I have been crucified with Christ, and it is no longer I that live, but Christ living in me. That life which I now live in the flesh, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself up for me.

  • John 3:30

    He must increase, but I must decrease.

  • Colossians 3:1-4

    [1] If then you were raised together with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated on the right hand of God. [2] Set your mind on the things that are above, not on the things that are on the earth. [3] For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. [4] When Christ, our life, is revealed, then you will also be revealed with him in glory.

  • Romans 8:5

    For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit.

  • Matthew 22:37

    Jesus said to him, "'You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind.'

Related topics

Go deeper

Ask Explain Bible AI about putting god first and get a fuller answer from a Reformed theological perspective.

Ask what the Bible says about putting god first