How to Put God First in Your Life, Relationships, and In All Things

"Putting God first" is a phrase that is easy to use incorrectly. While God wants to be first, he does not want to be in a box, even if this is your most important box. Putting God first is about seeking to please God in every area of life.
AGW University: Relationship Training for Christian Singles: agwuniversity.teachable.com/
Article, "Stop Putting God First to Find a Spouse" applygodsword.com/putting-god-...
FREE eBook: The Ultimate Guide to Christian Singleness: applygodsword.com/christian-si...
Paperback books and small group Bible studies by Mark Ballenger:
Intertwined: Our Happiness Is Tied to God’s Glory www.amazon.com/Intertwined-Ha...
Redeemed Like David: How to Overcome Sexual Temptation www.amazon.com/Redeemed-Like-...
The Ultimate Guide to Christian Singleness www.amazon.com/Ultimate-Guide...
Never Quit: A 5 Week Small Group Bible Study on the Power of Prayer www.amazon.com/dp/1979772673/
Basic Transformation: A Small Group Bible Study on the Basics of Christianity and Transformation www.amazon.com/dp/197959063X/
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[@polivpuzon3798]

You dont seek to Glorify GOD to get things from GOD, you try to do things for the Glory of GOD Amen ! 🙌

[@ApplyGodsWordcomMarkBallenger]

So true!

[@charmainecoombs4289]

Amen !!

[@CamLovesJesus]

🙏🏽♥️

[@leahluvvanderson3131]

Praise God! I didn’t even realize how much the Lord has changed me. I used to praise and seek God for a spouse but His love and grace has genuinely changed me and my heart delights in bringing Him glory with everything that I am and have. I’m not perfect and God is still working and renewing me everyday. If you feel like you’ve been pursuing God for the wrong reasons, repent and ask the Lord for forgiveness and ask Him to show you how to genuinely seek Him for who He is. And to experience His goodness more and more each day. God is able and He is so patient. He loves a surrendered heart, continue to surrender your heart He will perfect you and He IS perfecting you.

[@ApplyGodsWordcomMarkBallenger]

LeahLuvv Anderson, amen, thanks for sharing this! God bless :)

[@chinmayeechinnu3575]

amen.. god bless you ... God's beloved one😊😇💗💗

[@Ppyongppyong-se7mt]

Amen! Thank you ❤️❤️❤️

[@leahanderson30]

That's wonderful

[@LOVEbelOwable]

Thank you so much!!!

[@davedowden]

sit in your room and say "GOD, Its all on you. Take my life and do what you will with it. I will not act until clear it's from you. Thank you." Sit back and enjoy xxx

[@ngalahansel6066]

That's exactly how I prayed about an hour ago after she left me. I mean i was not perfect and did some things i shouldn't have, but right now, i need God above everything else

[@aarongunz943]

How do I put god first in my life I pray evernight the best I can I'm 17 . How do I put god first in every part in my life in my singleness and other parts of my life. I love god alot I downloaded the bible app and I've been trying to get closer with God. I'm in a tight tight spot I'm on the bottom right now . I had to live with my mother and i got physically and mentally abused she didn't let me talk to my dad unless it was recorded and all the stuff that was going on and the way I was treated I tried to commit suicide and my sister walked in and I didn't I got locked up 5 days in the barcract and my mom put me in a another place for a month and I've moved all around I prayed and prayed to get back with my dad and I eventually did thanking god. And right now I'm staying at someone's house my dads got a job because I prayed . But I want to get closer with God. How do I put god first in singleness and everything in my life . I love god to death I just dont know how I'm only 17

[@nnuveohombre]

@@aarongunz943 I'm sorry to know what has happened to you😔 it's sad but thankfully God has helped you, I struggle with a lot of areas in my life to grow a relationship with God. But I'm glad to know God gave you what you prayed for, may God bless you and your father and friends and may he also deliver your mother. Much love, God bless

[@karenr1643]

We got to deny ourselves to follow Christ 🤷‍♀️

[@WuSan5316]

Deny what exactly? Just genuinely asking because I didn’t get that message from the video. From my understanding he was saying that we should do everything with God in mind and not do it just to get something from Him

[@karenr1643]

Zithelo Moyo our will

[@jazmyneharley1854]

I learned through fasting. Its not about food .. but to deny yourself. How? Deny yourself of that thing, person or situation you know is no longer serving you... If you know u go to clubs every weekend, bilut onve youre home, you feel bad about it or your actions.. but u keep going for people perception or just do to loneliness. This a thing you must deny yourself. Being brutally honest with yourself and riddance all that counters that... if u love u like u say you do.. denying yourself will bring life to you

[@Chaoticmiracles]

@@WuSan5316 Deney ourselves means stop thinking about what you want and start thinking about what He wants

[@brittneythompson5751]

I think putting God first is honoring him in your actions, Honoring him with your words.

[@isabelsumera4987]

THIS IS THE ONE I REALLY HOPE PEOPLE GRASP THIS !!!!!!

[@ApplyGodsWordcomMarkBallenger]

Isabel Sumera amen, it's so important!

[@yustinushalim1146]

Glad I am not alone in this. God bless you.

[@williamorr9203]

Better yet.You grasp it.

[@kentyiluminada7676]

Isabel Sumera do you grasp it? I’m watching this because I , myself really want to grasp it not because I’m hoping others grasp it.

[@theburlyburrito]

It’s just now that I’ve realized how much God has Changed me since becoming a Christian late last year. I don’t indulge in sin, I stay away. I don’t follow God to get something, I just do it because it’s what’s right. God’s amazing!

[@lindstheteacher1611]

God deserves to be first because He is God. We owe Him everything because He did everything to gain our soul. PERIOD!

[@pray2getherwithAngelinaBara]

" PUT GOD FIRST" THAT'S THE KEYS FOR EVERYTHING.💯❤🤗

[@smileymaria6164]

How do we do that

[@preachingpoet]

I love God so much! I want Him to be pleased with me. But I’m so frustrated bc I keep falling short. I’m bipolar and I’ve experienced many ups and downs, but I want God to have the best side of my poetry, the best side of my painting. I just hope HE is enjoying it

[@fortheloveofmillie3982]

I gave my life to God years ago because that verse seek the kingdom of God and all these things will be added to you. I did it because I wanted one particular man. I got that man and know we are broken up and I'm seeking God to heal my heart. I realize this is wrong and I'm trying to learn to change. I was so happy when I was seeking God. I just really want that happiness back.

[@denisemayosky1955]

Leah had a good comment above that might help you. He's there to help you! I'm learning that too!

[@AmonRa15]

Yeah me too, thats exactly the verse that made me "prioritize God first ".

[@genevievecarumba3939]

Putting God in every area of your life is the best thing we can ever do. I find my self SAFE in the arms of the Father ❤️

[@miriama3154]

U are ao right, I was struggling with these things what u were saying... I Thank God for using u. U opened my eyes.

[@ApplyGodsWordcomMarkBallenger]

Praise the Lord, thanks for sharing this with me!

[@trishawhitehouse4226]

I love that, "God doesn't want to be in a box!" No one can contain God. He is the ultimate treasure in our lives and I love how you've taken your gifts and use them for the glory of God, without compromising.

[@delysleon6410]

God will always be merciful .

[@ApplyGodsWordcomMarkBallenger]

God bless!

[@shareewalls6032]

I was convicted and blessed at the same time.. WOW!!

[@ellawinberg1]

God bless you dear brother in Christ🙏

[@ApplyGodsWordcomMarkBallenger]

Ella Winberg God bless to you too

[@sophiapostell6716]

God wants to be SUPREME, to be FIRST and at the CENTER, ABOVE ALL ELSE; IN all our ways/in every area of our life, AND HE WILL DIRECT OUR PATH!!! 🙏❤😇

[@samanthabeaty4578]

WOW. Wow. Wow. Thank you so much ... I have been condemning myself because I didn't feel like I could reconcile wanting a husband and seeking God first. I have so much more peace now that I understand this better. Thank you so much!

[@ApplyGodsWordcomMarkBallenger]

Samantha Beaty amen, this is great to hear, thanks for sharing!

[@meric_8038]

Amen amen %100​@@ApplyGodsWordcomMarkBallenger

[@khm6048]

This reminded me of the message we got today: "we must make Jesus the cornerstone of every aspect of our lives and our light will shine bright"

[@sidehustle8396]

I watched this video years ago and it's never left me. I'm so grateful I found it again. "We often use God as way of getting something else." Oh the time I've wasted doing this: I'll put God first short term as a method of trying to get something else (a partner, money etc) in the long term. God should be your short term AND long term goal. The alpha and the omega. Never put God as a means to an end. When the end and means are one "all these things shall be added unto you". Thank you Mark.

[@ceasarroxasjr.9421]

Finally understood what they meant about putting God first.

[@glj1004]

Thank you sir, I love the way you explain things. I feel a peace inside my heart and the wisdom towards understanding is definitely growing. Thank you again 😉

[@ApplyGodsWordcomMarkBallenger]

glj1004 amen! Praise God!

[@nunyabusiness5275]

Great point! God first in every area instead of God first and then other things 2nd and 3rd

[@hanniyahisrael4676]

Whew it's so easy to put someone or something before God without even knowing it🤦🏾‍♀️ this helped clarify things better for me God has to be the ultimate treasure of my heart in all areas everything I do must be to glorify him

[@brittanythomas1284]

Wow! I now understand my eyes have been open to the truth. 😮

[@justinemayol7629]

thanks God for using you. I'm always failing on how to glorify God right... I always get to use the phrase "Put God first" for my selfish wishes. now I understand it clearly. God bless y'all!

[@sandramiller8701]

That's right brother ,,,,,God's tired of being taken for Granted a used a the heart far from him for really being first. God wants to be the strength a love a faith in our lives a the center of our lives. Fist above Everything.

[@servantofgod8483]

I Love and Serve God, because He Deserves to be Loved and Served by All.

[@arulkarthikponnusamy6081]

If you love God automatically you will put him first. Prioritisation is happening because of love

[@SanctifiedLady]

I feel like a monk! Waiting on God to guide me into a job that will not take my time and attention off of him. This was my life on repeat, now he’s taken the jobs away a million times…I don’t want to fall back that way. I need him to point me in the right way in Jesus’s name. ❤

[@monicaten1]

I’m seeking a closer relationship with god. Without god I am nothing, I have nothing

[@MangoLemonaideFresh]

@mcmc say Gods name with a capital G. Capital G is for the one true God. We only use a lower case g for false gods. God = one true God god = false gods. Keep that in mind! God bless you :)

[@rosem.3533]

"Go to church Rose and get involved that way you can meet someone to marry ." I've been told this many times but it just never felt right to me...I feel as though I would be going to church for the wrong reasons. I don't think that's what church is for as a follower of Christ. Now, if I go to worship God, feel His presence and get that so needed nutrition that His Word gives, and while attending church , it just happens to be that I met Mr. Right(as ordained by God ), THEN that's pretty great!

[@ApplyGodsWordcomMarkBallenger]

Rose Morales I get that :)

[@rogerbrady2003rab]

I could relate to this so much....

[@dantechu9051]

You right about that, it got me to the point where I just don't know what is right and what is wrong. So best way is to do nothing, just thank God everyday I'm still alive cause if I pursue something or someone it just making me thinking I might be idolize them

[@justdigne3791]

You are speaking FACTS!

[@cherrypie1463]

I just prayed for strength to keep my faith pure from school, because i know the influences there. And then right when i was done praying, this came to my recommended, wow :) Praise God, our divine, loving creator friends!

[@wendycragg5250]

Mark is truly anointed to guide Christian relationships. I need this word in my life right now. I am a widow. I have made lots of mistakes but thankfully we have a merciful Father.

[@madridejosryuchan]

So agree! I used to think that i need to serve God so He can give me the desires of my heart, and it's not good. But once I started to understand what God's grace is, my perspective change. I'm putting God first now because I fell in love with Him and want to give my all for His glory ❤

[@NessaJayp]

Best explanation I've heard of this concept! Thank you

[@ApplyGodsWordcomMarkBallenger]

My pleasure! I'm so glad you enjoyed it!

[@nelodypond9282]

Your channel is such a blessing! It's truly teaching so many aspects of the bible and Christian life in a way that's completely relevant and applicable to today's world and me.

[@ApplyGodsWordcomMarkBallenger]

Nula Rayn amen!

[@karangerekkangootui6469]

Nula Rayn indeed

[@alanv76]

Wow!!! God bless you...you shed light that has helped free me from guilt. When you spoke about placing God in a box by categorizing priorities in my life. I have struggled for so long with perceived conflict of praying for and pursuing those desires God placed in my heart and keeping God first and loving Him first. Knowing now it is not a first second third etc place system, so freeing. I can still follow the dreams and desires He placed in my heart as long as they align with His will and still keep Him number one within all areas of life ❤️. God is FIRST in ALL areas and keeping Him first in All builds a relationship with Him that is based on His guidance and my love for Him comes natural. Before with the first, second, etc concept I felt guilt and insincere, trying so hard to keep Him first, almost works base, rather than the honest true love I now hold as well as feel in my heart with this freeing Truth ❤️❤️❤️. Thank you thank you 😊

[@ApplyGodsWordcomMarkBallenger]

Wow, so glad this was helpful and God used it. God bless!

[@anauxistential8486]

I'm here for this to build the map to find my treasure! Applying God's word in every area of my life to beat down modern-day idols in my life! To God be the Glory🙏🏽

[@andrianolasiman7694]

Wow!.. I believe that was God talking to me to make me realize that I should not glorify God so that I can get these things but doing all of these things for the glory of God! Praise God for your life brother mark, God bless you always and your family!

[@margiehernandez866]

God need to be first in every thing's that our life. When we surrounded our life to him ,God do his way in our life.We need to be patient and waiting for his unique and perfect time.He loved us more than anyone in this world. All the glory to you my Savior and Lord.

[@MrRandallwilliams4fr]

It's funny but it's true I mean we put God first in all of the other areas of our life and we are blessed.

[@leahanderson30]

Acknowledge God in all your ways

[@locomocochocotaco]

May the Lord bless my relationship and teach us to get closer to Him, seek Him, and be God centered ..

[@FatBellyChemist1234]

Seek God with your pleasures right. That's what I need. Thanks u r a good preacher!!!

[@voiceInDetroit]

simple, yet profound. I have been a Christian for many years, and this was helpful.

[@ApplyGodsWordcomMarkBallenger]

Thanks for sharing Steve! So glad it was helpful :)

[@laure6003]

You explain well bro!! GOD BLESS😇🙏❤️ From:🇵🇭

[@johnbyerlein6682]

I never heard this idea expressed so clearly as you have done. All I got out of many churches is that God was first and I am a worm who should have no ambitions, goals or desires. I often believed if I sought after the things of the world, I was disobeying God and not seeking Him first.

[@janetlee191]

Seek ye first the kingdom of God and all these things will be added unto you.. Delight yourself in the Lord and He WILL give you the desires of your heart. We can trust God's word in these matters... If we are trusting His Word then we ARE putting Him first.. because His word gives us these promises and we aren't relying on our own abilities to get what we desire

[@iamzay4938]

I love this bro don’t put God in a box, God should be apart of every decision we make. God wants to be involved and first in every area of our lives. Do things for his glory not just to get things from him. Glad you brought this to my understanding🙏🏾

[@thebscotts]

You have shed new light on, “putting God first.” Thank you!

[@pnovotar]

I am so encouraged by your teachings, Mark. You certainly are old enough to be my SON, but this particular teaching has blessed me so much. After being widowed 24 years ago, the Lord has brought a godly man into my life. Was not looking for it, but praise The Lord, it HAPPENED. What want to ENCOURAGE you with, is that the truths expressed in this PARTIACULAR teaching are valid NO MATTER HOW OLD a person is!! Thank you. I so appreciate your candor and integrity in ALL your teachings and simply want to thank you and encourage you to keep teaching sound, biblical truths...May He richly bless you and ALL that concerns you.

[@techsporadic]

Thank you. I was struggling with what this meant because I've been doing everything possible to please God and walking right with him in all I do so wasn't sure anymore what seeking him first meant but this broke It down so thank you.

[@tprice9033]

I love the fact you used the term the WAY you glorify God in your life that’s great. I would normally say it’s not putting God first it’s putting God at the centre of your life.

[@musicforall1859]

Good good stuff! This blessed me a lot.

[@migdaliamojica7123]

Amen, more clear then this message you can't but it.God bless you🌷

[@akkymxstudios537]

This is the preaching I really need! Thank You God for using this man's life for me to know You more.

[@triciarichards4206]

Thank you for clearing up this topic somemore for me. Indeed God must be glorified in all we do.

[@jaidai2717]

Amazing Word!! God bless you!!

[@jairmartinez2246]

I been in the search for this and thanks to the power of God is here.

[@micahdelatorre7764]

Needed this, and I feel refreshed. Thank you Jesus and thank you for the great message Mark.

[@felinasecrets6191]

What you are saying is true. We need to love God first to learn how to love others or meeting others needs.

[@rtr4342]

this is great video I really needed this. i am currently studying a lot for my last exam. i was feeling bad about study because it would take time from other things i wanted to do like volunteering etc. i do study bible ever day, pray and worship. but beside that and studying for my exam i had zero time for during community work. i prayed about this and your video showed up on my feed. I thank God and our Lord Jesus Christ for using you Mark this way. God bless you in all you do. this is a very brave video and more people need to see this.

[@ApplyGodsWordcomMarkBallenger]

Amen, there's a season for everything but we can always put God first in all that we do :)

[@pineappledonut5011]

Thank you Mark you are using the wisdom and knowledge that God is giving you to teach and or remind us Christians of these things you are talking about.

[@elisabethhutchinson2987]

Praise God. I needed this more than you know. God used you truly. Thank you.

[@QueenAlita]

Thank you brother. This blessed me so much.

[@beanie_bae]

That's so true! Rather than putting God first at the top of your list, invite God to be first in everything on your list! And to seek God first to glorify Him, not seeking God first to get what you want. Good tips!

[@jessgriffith2678]

This is such a life changing message thank you so much for exposing this for people to understand!! Well said 😍👏🏽 please keep this amazing content coming! Applying God’s word to your life 🙏🏽❤️ God bless!

[@tayretro780]

Bless you Mark! 🙏 I had this concept backwards. I've been wanting to start a ministry via social media, but have been thinking God will allow this after I come closer to Him, which has been keeping me impaired this entire time rather than start the channel! So eye opening and motivating, thank you for your hard work and what you do for the Kingdom!

[@sandranardella5516]

Thank you for putting all that into perspective. I struggled with the desire of marriage and God fir so long.

[@mojokombue4463]

Perfect Timing. God is too good!

[@just_Josh1117]

Thank you for your life, the article really made me question myself and my desires. May God bless you and help you more to reach out to people. Shalom!

[@reremechelle]

Thank you so much for making it more clear that we are to do all for his glory. I have been guilty of thinking how you described.

[@luciewajesus731]

I thank you so much for this, I realize that, I put God in a box I feel pain again, Thanks I have to do things to glorify God, I could have not changed if I haven't heard from you, God bless your ministry 👼🙏❤

[@jonathanross8753]

This was very helpful! Thank you Mark for all you do for the glory of God!

[@chriswolf529]

This answered a long saught after question. Thank u!!!

[@WayOfHaQodesh]

HalleluYAH! Thank you brother. May YAH Most High continue to bless you and your family, loved ones, and ministry.

[@makreviews2146]

Thank you for sharing this. It gave me so much clarity and understanding. Thank you God for your truth.

[@ronniewood6670]

Thank You for Your Insight, GOD bless You!!!

[@katelyndryer8533]

this is such an amazing message! thank you!

[@gsbm7070]

This was so good! Thank you 🙏🏾. Praise God!

[@blecivelcar8197]

This is an amazing explanation! Sets you free! Thanks Mark

[@fuzcube9558]

God is first

[@anonstarstruck7973]

Thank you for making this video. I have been feeling really lost lately. your words have bought me back to God. God Bless you

[@007miamia]

Wow! Incredibly helpful. As a new Christian, this was a concept I’ve really struggled with. Thank you for explaining! God Bless ☺️

[@krystavi05]

Thank you for explaining this with such clarity! Keep doing the Lord's work, you're a blessing.

[@detectiveshonburras1268]

Thank you. You're always so informative and polite. I have learned alot from you and your videos. You are such a Blessing ! To God Be Yhe Glory !

[@Godisfirst21]

Thank you! I am putting God first.

[@1_Moretime]

Great message! Ty for sharing, brother. God bless you!

[@ApplyGodsWordcomMarkBallenger]

You are welcome! God bless to you too :)

[@irenageorgieva8011]

The idea is that when we put God first we are happy

[@ellawarren3508]

Praise God for this Blessed Message I Always Put God first, I even Write it All The time in my Prayer life list of Bill's ,Grocery list, In My Family Whatever I'm doing I Recognize That God Is First in my Life then All the other things will Follow!

[@jordanriley7158]

Oh this is excellent my man! Peace brother! God bless

[@PrettyIntelligent]

Brother Mark, keep allowing the Father to use you to simplify things for us and make it practical!! 🙏🏾

[@mariesavannah2369]

That is so true if we understand why God say in the first commandment love your God with all our heart mind and soul there will be no argument if we understand how deep the love of God is for us personally we wont find it difficult to put God first it will come naturally we need to experience his love for ourself is the key

[@toliseadkisson7124]

Great word on prioritizing God first and clarification on what that really means and does not mean.

[@user-hp5tf5qc4t]

God first all things

[@pineappledonut5011]

Although I have watched this before I over time forgot what it truly meant and this serves as a great teaching and reminding video!

[@ignaciop9850]

Thank you so much brother. It's like God corrected me through your words. Big hug from Chile.

[@brittneyyoung1882]

Thank You for this video!!