When we think about our daily choices, we often face a busy schedule, countless demands, and competing aims. We might plan our work, our rest, our family time, but do we pause to reflect on the place God holds in all of that? By setting our priorities around what Scripture teaches, we open doors to a life that brings peace, clarity, and purpose.
As followers of Jesus, we learn that true fulfillment does not spring from checking off tasks or gaining status. Rather, it grows from a heart aligned with our Creator. When we lift our eyes from routine pressures and place God at the center of our plans, He guides our paths and fills our days with meaning.
Over the centuries, faithful men and women have turned to the Bible to remind them of their first calling: to love God and love others. In those sacred pages, we find instructions for daily living that shape our outlook on work, relationships, and even rest. Those words still speak powerfully to our hearts today.
In the sections that follow, we will explore eight ways to reorder our lives around the highest priorities. We will draw on forty verses that inspire us to seek God first, manage our time with care, and invest in things that last beyond this lifetime. Together, let us discover how clear priorities rooted in God’s Word can transform how we live each day.
Bible Verses About Priorities
Putting God First
When we talk about priorities, we start with the most important One—God. We want to learn from Scripture how to put Him at the head of every thought and action. This means we turn our hearts toward His will before we decide on our schedule. We choose time with Him over extra sleep, service to others over personal gain, prayerful listening over busy chatter. That shift is not always easy. We admit we can get distracted, and we may need fresh reminders. In this space, we look together at what it means to put God first in our decisions, our plans, our hopes. We share stories of days when we felt stretched thin and still found strength in daily devotion. We encourage one another to trust that a moment spent seeking Him yields far more benefit than hours chasing empty aims. By making Him our top priority, we discover a higher sense of purpose. We learn that His voice guides us when we feel lost. We grow confident that He honors our commitment to give Him first place. And when our own interests step forward, we gently bring ourselves back, remembering that no schedule, task, or ambition can match the joy of walking closely with the Lord.
Exodus 20:3
“You shall have no other gods before me.” – Exodus 20:3
Deuteronomy 6:5
“You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might.” – Deuteronomy 6:5
Proverbs 3:6
“In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.” – Proverbs 3:6
Psalm 16:8
“I have set the Lord always before me; because he is at my right hand, I shall not be shaken.” – Psalm 16:8
Matthew 6:33
“But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” – Matthew 6:33
Seeking the Kingdom of God
Our lives can feel full of choices—career moves, family plans, social events. Yet one priority stands above them all: seeking God’s kingdom. When we focus on His reign, His ways, His justice, everything else finds its proper place. We admit it takes effort to keep that focus. Our culture tells us to chase comfort, wealth, or status. The Bible tells us to chase God’s kingdom and let His righteousness shape our character. That pursuit changes the way we handle work, finances, and relationships. It shapes the words we speak and the hope we carry. We talk together here about what it looks like to live as kingdom seekers day by day. We learn to pray for His rule to grow in our homes, churches, and communities. We remind one another that seeking His kingdom is not a burden but a joyful calling. It frees us from worry about tomorrow, because we trust His provision. It frames our decisions in light of eternity, because we long for His justice to roll on the earth. When our hearts beat in rhythm with His kingdom, we find a fresh sense of purpose. We discover joy in simple obedience, and we see lives around us changed as we point them to King Jesus.
Psalm 27:4
“One thing have I asked of the Lord, that will I seek after: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life.” – Psalm 27:4
Jeremiah 29:13
“You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart.” – Jeremiah 29:13
Colossians 3:1
“If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God.” – Colossians 3:1
Luke 13:24
“Strive to enter through the narrow door. For many, I tell you, will seek to enter and will not be able.” – Luke 13:24
Psalm 63:1
“O God, you are my God; earnestly I seek you; my soul thirsts for you; my flesh faints for you, as in a dry and weary land where there is no water.” – Psalm 63:1
Wise Use of Time
We all receive the same twenty-four hours in a day, yet how we use them reveals our priorities. It can help us to remember that time itself is a gift from God. When we choose carefully, we invest that gift in ways that have lasting value. We may plan our work, rest, family meals, personal study, and service to others. Still, it’s easy to let good things crowd out the best. We want to learn to watch our schedules, weigh our tasks, and decide which things deserve our focus today. In this part, we share tips on making the most of our time—praying for guidance, setting clear goals, and resting in God’s strength. We reflect on moments when extra screen time or endless errands left us drained, and we celebrate simple days spent listening to God’s voice. We pray for the wisdom to balance preparation and flexibility, planning and letting go. We remind each other that a few minutes with God can change the tone of a busy day. By using our hours wisely, we honor the Lord and grow in freedom from worry. Our goal is not a rigid schedule but a heart that is alert to God’s leading, so He can fill each moment with purpose.
Ephesians 5:15-16
“Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil.” – Ephesians 5:15-16
Psalm 90:12
“So teach us to number our days that we may get a heart of wisdom.” – Psalm 90:12
Colossians 4:5
“Walk in wisdom toward outsiders, making the best use of the time.” – Colossians 4:5
James 4:14
“You are a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes.” – James 4:14
Proverbs 16:9
“The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps.” – Proverbs 16:9
Choosing Eternal over Earthly
We live in a world that highlights material success and momentary pleasures. Yet our calling as Christ’s followers challenges us to look beyond what we can hold in our hands. We choose eternal values—kindness, faith, hope, love—over what fades with time. That choice shapes how we spend money, build relationships, and grow spiritually. When we keep our eyes on eternity, the pressures of status or wealth lose their hold. We remember that treasures in heaven endure, and that God’s favor lasts forever. In this section, we discuss how to keep our hearts set on what cannot be destroyed. We share stories of people who gave up comfort to serve the poor, who forgave old hurts to gain lasting peace, and who stored up glory in heaven by trusting God in hard times. We invite each other to weigh our daily goals against eternal truths. Where will our true riches be? What will endure beyond our days on earth? By setting spiritual priorities above material ones, we live with deeper joy and freedom.
Matthew 6:19-21
“Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” – Matthew 6:19-21
2 Corinthians 4:18
“As we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal.” – 2 Corinthians 4:18
Colossians 3:2
“Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth.” – Colossians 3:2
John 6:27
“Do not work for the food that perishes, but for the food that endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give to you.” – John 6:27
1 John 2:17
“And the world is passing away along with its desires, but whoever does the will of God abides forever.” – 1 John 2:17
Priorities in Relationships
Our connections with family, friends, neighbors, and even strangers reflect what we value most. When we give time, respect, and love to others, we show who matters in our hearts. The Bible calls us to honor parents, serve the needy, and bear with one another in patience. Those calls shape our priorities in how we spend time, offer words, and lend help. In this part, we talk about putting love and service ahead of convenience. We admit we can be distracted—rushing past someone who needs a kind word, scrolling on our phones when we could offer a hug. We look at verses that guide us to listen well, forgive quickly, and seek peace. We encourage each other to plan time for real conversations and to open our eyes to others’ burdens. When we rank people above tasks, we mirror Christ’s heart. We find true connection, healing, and unity in the bonds we choose to nourish.
Mark 12:31
“You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” – Mark 12:31
Romans 12:10
“Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor.” – Romans 12:10
1 Corinthians 13:2
“If I have prophetic powers, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing.” – 1 Corinthians 13:2
Philippians 2:3-4
“Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests but also to the interests of others.” – Philippians 2:3-4
Ephesians 4:2
“With all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love.” – Ephesians 4:2
Managing Resources
God entrusts us with resources—money, possessions, talents—that reflect His generosity. How we manage these gifts reveals our priorities. Do we spend on fleeting pleasures, or do we share with those in need? Do we plan our budget, or do we let impulse direct our choices? In this part, we explore the call to be wise stewards. We remember that every gift we hold belongs to the Lord. We discuss practical steps—giving cheerfully, saving wisely, planning thoughtfully—rooted in Scripture. We confess times when we chased luxury at the cost of generosity. We praise moments when we trusted God with our finances and saw doors open for ministry. We learn that setting financial priorities around kingdom work brings both joy and liberty. By managing what we have with care, we reflect God’s heart for the poor and build his purposes here on earth.
Luke 16:11
“If then you have not been faithful in the unrighteous wealth, who will entrust to you the true riches?” – Luke 16:11
Proverbs 21:20
“Precious treasure and oil are in a wise man’s dwelling, but a foolish man devours it.” – Proverbs 21:20
1 Timothy 6:17-19
“As for the rich in this present age, charge them not to be haughty, nor to set their hopes on the uncertainty of riches, but on God… to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share.” – 1 Timothy 6:17-19
Malachi 3:10
“Bring the full tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this, says the Lord of hosts.” – Malachi 3:10
2 Corinthians 9:7
“Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.” – 2 Corinthians 9:7
The Priority of Love
Love stands at the heart of all that matters. As we rank our priorities, we place love for God and love for others at the top. Love shapes every choice—how we speak, how we act, how we forgive. Without love, our best efforts fall short. In this section, we remember that love is patient, kind, humble, and enduring. We reflect on times we have fallen short and times we have shown grace when it was hard. We encourage one another to let love guide each plan—whether in family matters, church service, or workplace decisions. When love is our chief aim, we see others as God sees them, and we find true unity in the body of Christ.
Matthew 22:37-39
“And he said to him, ‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself.'” – Matthew 22:37-39
John 13:34-35
“A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” – John 13:34-35
1 Corinthians 13:13
“So now faith, hope, and love abide, these three; but the greatest of these is love.” – 1 Corinthians 13:13
Galatians 5:14
“For the whole law is fulfilled in one word: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.'” – Galatians 5:14
1 John 4:7
“Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God, and whoever loves has been born of God and knows God.” – 1 John 4:7
Making Decisions with Wisdom
Life presents us choices at every turn—big and small. The priority we give to God’s wisdom directs those choices. We can ask Him for insight, study His Word, and seek godly counsel. When we do, we avoid regrets and walk in peace, even in uncertain times. In this final section, we focus on how to pause, pray, and consider before acting. We admit that we can rush ahead with our own ideas, only to find stumbling blocks. We celebrate moments when we waited on the Lord and felt His clear leading. We talk about tools like daily devotion, journaling prayers, and sharing decisions with trusted friends. By putting wisdom at the front of our priority list, we grow confident that each step is under God’s care. That approach does not guarantee ease, but it assures us of His faithfulness, even when the path seems steep.
James 1:5
“If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.” – James 1:5
Proverbs 2:6
“For the Lord gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding.” – Proverbs 2:6
Psalm 32:8
“I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my eye upon you.” – Psalm 32:8
Proverbs 15:22
“Without counsel plans fail, but with many advisers they succeed.” – Proverbs 15:22
Isaiah 30:21
“And your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying, ‘This is the way, walk in it,’ when you turn to the right or when you turn to the left.” – Isaiah 30:21
Preachers Quotes
“You cannot serve two masters. Your priorities will show you where your heart truly is.” – Charles Stanley
“God’s agenda becomes our agenda when we learn to prioritize His presence over our plans.” – Rick Warren
“Clear priorities lead to clear purpose. What we treasure most will shape our lives.” – John Maxwell
“First things first: if we lose sight of Christ, we lose sight of everything.” – David Jeremiah
“Our time, talents, and treasures are tools for kingdom work when we set them in the right order.” – Charles Spurgeon
“Choosing the right priorities brings freedom from stress and aligns us with God’s best.” – Joyce Meyer
“When we seek God above all, He sorts out the rest.” – Billy Graham
“Our daily priorities can either build our faith or wear it down.” – Tozer
“If we put God first, our schedules fall into place by His grace.” – Andy Stanley
“A life steered by Scripture priorities sails safely through any storm.” – Louie Giglio
Final Thought
I have walked with many believers who struggled to balance life’s demands. Yet as we set God’s priorities first, a gentle peace settles in our hearts. Together, we realize that He never asks us to carry more than He plans to carry with us.
We learn each day that priority is not a one-time decision but a habit we renew with prayer. We admit that we may drift, but we can always turn back and seek His face again.
When we place His kingdom and His righteousness above everything else, the clutter of worry falls away. We find purpose in our work, peace in our rest, and joy in serving others.
May we keep our eyes on Jesus, who showed us the perfect example of life ordered around love for God and people. As we honor Him with our first fruits, our time, and our talents, we discover that He is enough.
Let us go forward confident that when we align our priorities with His Word, each step becomes an invitation to draw nearer to Him.
Want to explore more? Discover Bible verses about living life and find inspiration to live with clear intent. You might also enjoy learning how to live thoughtfully through Bible verses about being intentional.