Making God a Priority: Choosing Him Above Distractions

Hey friends. With our busy lives—work, children, spouses, hobbies—it can
be easy to lose sight of what matters most. Remember, making God our
top priority is essential. The first of the Ten Commandments reminds us to
worship only the one true God: Exodus 20:3 NKJV, “You shall have no
other gods before Me,” and Deuteronomy 5:8-9 warns against creating
idols of anything in the heavens, on the earth, or in the sea—because God
is a jealous God. He will not tolerate us worshipping any other gods before
Him.

So, ask yourself: do any of the things we devote our time, money, or
thoughts to take God’s rightful place in our lives?

Watch out for Distractions

Anything we worship or overly focus on can become a false god, including
our feelings. When we place too much importance on our emotions, they
can dictate our actions and priorities, leading us away from divine
guidance. It’s essential to regularly evaluate whether our lives are centered
on God and His Word or if our feelings are taking over. Recognizing this
helps us maintain spiritual health and integrity.
In a society that often dismisses or opposes God’s truth, believers face
many challenges. The increasing occurrence of selfishness fosters
unhealthy behaviors such as greed, pride, and arrogance. When people
neglect God’s wisdom, they are more susceptible to worry, resentment, and
bitterness—emotional states that can affect not only our mental well-being
but also our physical health through stress-related illnesses. These
attitudes erode moral standards, making it more difficult to live lives aligned
with biblical principles. Upholding God’s truth in such a context requires
intentional effort, prayer, and community support to stay steadfast and true.
But there is good news! In Christ, we can choose a different path—one of
abundance, as in John 10:10 NKJV, ‘The thief does not come except to
steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and
that they may have it more abundantly.”

 

Creating a Daily Habit of Connecting with God

To experience God’s abundant life—full of love, peace, and joy—it’s vital to
prioritize Him consistently. God told Abraham to walk with integrity and
obedience—staying in His presence daily.. We can do the same by
establishing daily routines of prayer, worship, and Bible reading.

Genesis 17:1 AMP
When Abram was ninety-nine years old, the Lord appeared to him and
said, “I am God Almighty; Walk habitually before Me with integrity, knowing
that you are always in My presence, and be blameless and complete in
obedience to Me.”

We need to be passionate about God’s Word! It offers wisdom,
encouragement, comfort, and inspiration for every life challenge. It brings
peace, renewal of the mind (see Romans 12:2), and spiritual stability. Dive
into the Bible with enthusiasm!

Romans 12:2 NKJV
And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing
of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and
perfect will of God.

Benefits of Prioritizing God

Strive for an intimate relationship with God. Invite Him into every aspect of
your life. If you catch yourself seeking affirmation from others, pray and ask
God to help you turn to Him instead.L iving to please God brings blessing,
prosperity, and fulfillment.

1 Thessalonians 2:4 NKJV
But as we have been approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel,
even so we speak, not as pleasing men, but God, who tests our hearts.

Choosing to serve God wholeheartedly leads to the flourishing of your soul,
along with increased joy and peace. Trust Him above all else, and honestly
tell Him, “God, I want to follow You, but I need Your help.” Remember, He
understands your mistakes and does not expect perfection.

If you stumble, don’t get discouraged. Confess your errors, learn from
them, and keep moving forward—God’s grace will give you strength. One
day at a time, with His help, you can achieve anything!