We all know that relationships are a huge part of our lives.
Whether it’s with family, friends, or that special someone, our connections with others bring us joy, support, and a sense of belonging.
But as wonderful as these relationships are, there’s a balance we need to maintain—one that ensures we’re not placing them above our relationship with God.
It’s easy to let the people we love take center stage in our lives. We want to be there for them, support them, and build strong, loving bonds.
But here’s the thing: when we allow our relationships with others to take priority over our relationship with God, we start to lose sight of what’s most important.
And in doing so, we might find that our relationships with others, while good, aren’t as fulfilling or healthy as they could be.
So how do we keep things in the right order?
How do we ensure that God remains first in our lives while still nurturing the relationships we have with those around us? Let’s explore this together.
(You can download a printable copy of this devotional at the bottom of the page.)
Why God Should Always Be First
Before diving into the “how,” let’s talk about the “why.” Why is it so important to put God first?
The Bible is pretty clear on this.
In Matthew 22:37-39, Jesus tells us what the greatest commandment is: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’
This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’” Notice the order here—love God first, then love others.
Putting God first doesn’t mean we love others less. It means that by prioritizing our relationship with God, we’re better equipped to love others well.
When our hearts are aligned with God’s will, we’re more patient, kind, and selfless in our relationships.
We’re not seeking fulfillment in others that only God can provide, and that takes a lot of pressure off our relationships.
The Danger of Misplaced Priorities
When we flip the order—when we start putting others before God—we risk turning those relationships into idols.
Now, I know “idol” is a word that can sound a bit old-fashioned, but in a biblical sense, an idol is anything that takes the place of God in our hearts.
It’s something we prioritize above Him, something we look to for fulfillment or purpose that only He can give.
Here’s the tricky part: this can happen without us even realizing it.
Maybe it’s that new relationship you’re so excited about, and you start spending all your time with that person.
Or maybe it’s your family, and you’re so wrapped up in their needs and expectations that you forget to spend time with God.
Even good things, like our loved ones, can become idols if we’re not careful.
When our priorities are out of whack, it not only affects our spiritual life but also our relationships.
We might become overly dependent on others for our happiness, leading to unhealthy dynamics like codependency or burnout.
Or we might start to feel unfulfilled and wonder why these relationships aren’t bringing us the joy we expected.
Practical Steps to Keep God First
So, how do we keep our relationships in the right order? How do we make sure God remains our number one priority?
Here are some practical steps to help you do just that:
1. Start Your Day with God
It sounds simple, but starting your day with God can set the tone for everything else.
Before you dive into your to-do list or check your messages, take some time to connect with Him.
Whether it’s through prayer, reading the Bible, or just sitting quietly in His presence, this time helps you center your heart on Him before anything else demands your attention.
When you start your day with God, you’re more likely to carry that focus with you throughout the day.
You’ll find it easier to keep your priorities straight because you’ve already established what’s most important.
2. Regularly Assess Your Priorities
Take a moment every now and then to check in with yourself. Ask, “Am I putting God first?”
Be honest with yourself about where your time and energy are going.
If you notice that you’re spending more time focusing on your relationships with others than on your relationship with God, it might be time to make some adjustments.
This doesn’t mean you have to cut people out of your life, but it might mean setting some boundaries or being intentional about carving out time for God.
3. Make Prayer a Priority in Your Relationships
One way to keep God at the center of your relationships is to make prayer a regular part of them.
Pray for your loved ones, and pray with them when you can. Ask God to guide your interactions, to help you love them well, and to show you how to put Him first in your relationship with them.
When you bring God into your relationships through prayer, you’re acknowledging that He’s the one who holds them together.
It’s a way of surrendering control and trusting that He knows what’s best for you and your loved ones.
4. Don’t Neglect Worship and Fellowship
Sometimes, we get so busy with our relationships and responsibilities that we let other aspects of our spiritual life slide.
Maybe you’ve missed church a few times or haven’t been spending time in worship like you used to.
It happens to all of us, but it’s important to recognize when it’s happening and take steps to get back on track.
Worship and fellowship are vital for keeping our relationship with God strong. When we gather with other believers, we’re encouraged, challenged, and reminded of God’s greatness.
Worship shifts our focus from our circumstances to God, helping us keep our priorities in line.
5. Trust God with Your Relationships
Lastly, trust that God has your relationships in His hands.
Sometimes, we hold on so tightly to the people we love because we’re afraid of losing them. But when we trust God with our relationships, we’re free to love others without fear or anxiety.
Trusting God with your relationships means letting go of the need to control or fix everything.
It means believing that He’s at work in your loved ones’ lives, even when you can’t see it. And it means trusting that His plans for you—and for them—are good.
The Blessing of Putting God First
When we put God first, we find that our relationships become healthier, more fulfilling, and more aligned with His will.
We’re not placing unrealistic expectations on others or seeking from them what only God can give. Instead, we’re free to love others from a place of wholeness and security in God’s love.
By keeping our relationships in the right order, we honor God, and in doing so, we bring Him glory. And that’s what it’s all about, isn’t it?
Living lives that reflect His love and grace to those around us.
So, let’s make a commitment today to put God first in our lives. Let’s seek Him above all else and trust that He’ll take care of the rest.
When we do, we’ll find that our relationships with others are not only stronger but also a true reflection of the love and goodness of God.
If studying the Bible better is on your list of things to do this year, be sure to visit our Bible Study Resources page where you’ll find everything you need to make Bible study a regular part of your daily routine.
Reflection
- In what areas of your life do you find yourself prioritizing relationships over your relationship with God? How can you begin to shift that focus back to Him?
- How do you currently seek God’s guidance in your relationships? What steps can you take to make prayer and spiritual reflection a regular part of your interactions with others?
- Are there any relationships in your life that might be taking up too much emotional or mental space? What boundaries can you set to ensure God remains your first priority?
Be sure to download a printable copy of this devotion with the reflection questions to keep handy in your study binder.
Here is some additional reading on modern idols
