By Steve Greene

Last time, we learned the importance of putting God first. The first commandment says, “You shall have no other gods before me.” What does it mean to put God first anyway?

Let’s consider some tangible ways we can put God first. For instance, we can put God first in our finances. Proverbs 3:9 challenges us to “honor the Lord by giving him the first part of all your income …” (The Living Bible)

Money is the No. 1 test of our priorities. We spend so much of our lives dealing with finances. Have you ever thought about that? Think about how much time you spend trying to earn it, save it, spend it, give it and invest it. Finances consume so much of our time.

You can find out what’s important to a person not by what they say, but by what they spend. You can learn a lot about a person’s priorities by looking at their bank statement, their credit statement or their debit card transactions. Our spending habits tell the truth about what we value in life.

In Deuteronomy 14:23, we are reminded that the purpose of tithing is to teach us always to put God first in our lives. The tithe represents 10 percent of our income. God says that the first 10 percent of all that I make should go back to him. The purpose is simply to teach me to put God first.

I think it is a wise practice to put God first in our finances. That is the best way to begin to prioritize and get your financial house in order. I think it is fair to say that if he’s not first in your finances, he’s really not first in your life.

Another place we can put God first is in our interests. That can mean everything from my fun times, my play times, my amusements, my recreation, my hobbies, my past times, etc.

First Corinthians 10:31 says, “Whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.” And if what you are doing can’t be done for the glory of God, maybe you shouldn’t do it.

Whenever we do anything with an attitude of gratitude is a way of putting God first in that part of our life. If he’s first in your life, he’ll be a part of your conversation. You’ll have time for him each day. You won’t be ashamed to talk about Him because he’s first.

More next time …

You may read Steve Greene’s blog at pastorgreene.wordpress.com or you can email him at [email protected].