I get it; we all have certain things in our lives that we place above everything else. There is only so much time and so much we can do, so we must prioritize certain things. Work, family, health, finances, relationships, and education usually fill the top spots because they demand the most from us. Each of those aspects can also change levels of importance, depending on what circumstances are involved at the time. But, sometimes, we need to stop, regroup, and prioritize our priorities because we can get them completely discombobulated. This is especially true when it comes to prioritizing our spiritual health.
Be honest. How often do you wind up placing spiritual things at a lower priority than worldly things? I think it's fair to say we've all been guilty of doing it at some point.
Here is a hard truth: your spiritual health should be placed above everything else in life. At. All. Times. It should never be compromised or relegated to less importance. This is because, in reality, without strong spiritual health, everything else in your life will suffer. That's right. Everything in life is impacted by it. For example:
Your marriage, friendships, and personal relationships will never be as good and healthy as they are when God is at the center of your life.
How difficult is it to cope with the strains of work, finances, or educational endeavors without God? Worldly-centered people often turn to drugs and alcohol or other destructive behaviors when they can't manage life's burdens. God-centered people have a greater source of strength.
Even your physical health will suffer without strong spiritual health. Imagine going through a debilitating disease without prayer and comfort that the Lord and His church provide. Physical health is not just physical. Studies have proven one's mental and spiritual health has an enormous impact on healing (Prov 17:22).
No premium can be placed on the benefits of having a strong spiritual life. Jesus taught, "Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you" (Matthew 6:33). This was said in the context of spiritual blessings God provides in caring for His obedient children. The Apostle Paul also wrote that God "has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ" (Ephesians 1:3). This means being a Christian will give one access to those many blessings. What are some of those blessings? They are things like: "redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins" (Col 1:14); being "set free from sin" (Rom 6:17-18); "the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding" (Phil 4:7); having "God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our tribulation" (2 Cor 1:3-4); direct access to God (Hebrews 4:16); and so much more! Don't let these be taken for granted. Put God first. Receive blessings!
With this in mind, here are a few suggestions to help you in prioritizing your priorities so that God comes first:
Start your day in prayer and Scripture. Spiritual strength can only be gained by starting with the right source (Psalm 119:11; Acts 20:32; 2 Tim 2:15, 3:16-17; 2 Pet 1:3; 1 Thessalonians 5:17; Jude 1:20)
Attend worship, regularly. God wants worship to Him to be top priority! (John 4:23-24; Heb 10:25; Rev 4-5)
Attend church fellowship functions, Bible studies, and special events. (Romans 14:19; 1 Thessalonians 5:11)
Look for ways to help and serve others. (Matthew 25:34-40; Galatians 6:10)
Make a list of gratitude - count your blessings! (Psalm 36:5-10;, 103:2; Ephesians 1:3)
Seek out sound, spiritual resources like books, blogs, podcasts, bulletin articles, and tracts. (Philippians 4:8)
End each day with prayer and Scripture. (James 4:14-15)
Let these verses and points serve as a warning when you are tempted to put something else before God. Don't let worldly affairs distract you or entice you away from your true priority as a Christian, "Fear God and keep His commandments, for this is the whole duty of man"(Ecc 12:13). Remember, your soul is your most important possession!