Exodus 20:3 says, “You shall have no other gods before me.” We’ve been considering some practical ways to put God first in our lives. We’ve already talked about putting God first in our finances and in our personal interests.

Another place we can tangibly put God first is in our relationships. If you want God first in your life, you’re going to have to choose your friends carefully.

Proverbs 27:19 teaches that what a person is really like is shown by the kind of friends they choose. This has to do with the fact that we become like the people with whom we hang around.

If you spend time with people who don’t take God seriously, you are more likely to become a casual believer. But if you spend time with people who are committed to Christ and who take God and His Word seriously, it is more likely you will become a stronger, more committed Christian yourself.

In Proverbs 12:26, we are told that “a righteous man is cautious in friendship…” The truth is, if you really want God to be first in your life, there may be some relationships from which you need to stay away. They are wrong for you, and you probably know it, so don’t make excuses. Choose your friends wisely and carefully. Put Him first in your relationships.

It also is wise to put God first in our schedule. Time is our most precious commodity. Ephesians 5:16-17 says, “Make the best use of your time. Grasp firmly what you know to be the will of God.” (Phillips) Put God first in your schedule by asking Him to help you use your time wisely.

If you find yourself constantly having more things to do than you have time to get done, it could be that you’re doing some things that are not God’s will for you. They may be good things, but are they necessary?

Whenever I start feeling hassled and frazzled, I need to ask myself if I am trying to do more than God wants me to do.

Finally, when it comes to putting God first in our family or in our lives, we need to set aside time to be with Him. It doesn’t matter when you do it. Just do it.

Even if it is only a few minutes, set aside some time each day not only to talk to God, but to listen as He talks to you. Make sure you do not get so busy that God gets nudged out of your life.

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