God wants to be first in your life. He wants to be on the top of your list! Exodus 20:3 shows us that very fact when it says– “You shall have no other gods before me.” That command meant so much to God that He made that very passage is the first of the Ten Commandments.

Now many of you might say, “I don’t worship other Gods. I’m a Christian. I don’t worship Buddha, or Allah or Shiva. What does this have to do with me?” Notice in this passage of scripture that the “g” in “gods” is not capitalized – it’s a little “g”. Which means God is talking about little gods; He’s describing anything that gets in the way of your relationship with Him.

These little gods could be – money, your career, a marriage or relationship, your children, a hobby, your prestige, your position – anything that stands between you and God is an idol. They are things that are there to get you off track, they are there to pervert you world, they are there to rob you of your potential.

So how do I build a strong life? A fulfilled life? A happy life? How do I get rid of these “little gods”? Proverbs 3:6 tells us “In everything you do, put God first, and He will direct you and crown your efforts with success.” So there it is! If we want God to crown us with success and direct our lives we must – Put GOD first. But how do we do that exactly? I’m glad you asked. Here are 5 simple and practical ways.

In your life give God control of your:

1. 1. Finances

Do I put God first in decisions with money? With investments? How I spend it? Am I a good steward of the money God has given me? Do I tithe to my local church? (Proverbs 3:9 & Deuteronomy 14:23)

1. 2. Interests

Do I represent Christ well in all that I do? Am I the same person on the Golf course, at the baseball game, on the basketball court, or at shopping mall that I am at Church? Does my behavior draw people to Christ?  Am I thankful for the blessings God has given me? (I Corinthians 10:31)

1. 3. Relationships

Am I seeking God first before I connect with someone? Do I have someone in my life that I want there but God may not want? Am I dating a non-believer? Do the people in my life cause me to grow closer to God?

1. 4. Schedule

What do I do first thing in the morning? Do I have a daily appointment with God? Am I spending my time in a way that glorifies Him and helps others?

(Psalm 5:1-3 & Ephesians 5:15-17)

1. 5. Troubles

Am I worrying about my problems more than I trust God? Am I giving the problem to God, calling on Him to help in tough situations? Do I believe what I’m experiencing more than the Word of God?  (Psalm 50:15)

You see, if we will take the time to examine ourselves, find the areas where God isn’t first in our lives and simply make a change – we can expect a successful life directed by our all-powerful God. Because the areas of life we put God first in, are the areas of our life that God can truly bless.