Ever feel like your life is one big juggling act? You’re trying to keep your job, your family, your faith, your friendships, your health, and maybe your plants all alive at the same time. Most Christians want to “put God first,” but what does that actually look like when you’ve got school drop-offs, endless meetings, and a sink full of dirty dishes?
Here’s the good news: God isn’t asking you to figure it all out on your own. And your relationship with Him is not meant to be one more thing on your already-packed to-do list. God isn’t just your first priority—He’s the center of all your priorities.
When your life orbits around God, everything else starts to align.
With that in mind, let’s explore how we can set shame-free, empowering biblical priorities that reflect your purpose and flow from your relationship with Jesus.
Start With the Center, Not the Top
Many Christians think, “God first, then family, then church, then work.” That can be a helpful mindset, but it can also lead us to compartmentalize our faith.
Instead, picture the solar system: God is the sun, and every area of life is a planet. Your marriage, your job, your friendships, and your church all orbit around your relationship with your heavenly Father. When you spend time with God through prayer and other spiritual disciplines, these practices help you see God in everything you do, pulling your priorities into alignment with God’s will for your life.
A Biblical Priority List
Here are a few example priorities inspired by God’s Word to help you stay grounded and focused on the most important things in your life.
You’ll notice that it’s not a numbered list—that’s because everyone has different priorities based on their season of life, calling, and time. Avoid turning the list into a rigid schedule of how you should use your time. Instead, prayerfully ask God to show you how to create a priority list that works for you.
Sometimes the best way to adjust your priorities is to do less.
Sometimes the best way to adjust your priorities is to do less. Caring for your body, mind, and emotions isn’t selfish, it’s faithful stewardship. Even Jesus took time to withdraw and recharge. Your body and soul need silence and solitude to be all God made you to be.
How to start prioritizing your body and soul: Protect your rest—choose one night a week to slow down, unplug, and refuel your body and spirit.
Your Neighbors and Community
Jesus said the second greatest commandment is to love your neighbor as yourself. That doesn’t just mean being nice—it means stepping into the mess of others’ lives, showing compassion, and meeting needs even when it costs you something. Challenge and sacrifice are essential parts of biblical priorities.
How to start prioritizing your neighbors and community: Look for one small need you can meet for someone else this week—drop off a meal, offer a ride, or simply ask, “How can I help?”
Your Family Members
Investing in your closest relationships takes time, intentionality, and sacrifice. Whether it’s a date night with your spouse, an honest talk with your teenager, helping your child with homework, or visiting an aging grandparent, these moments matter.
How to start prioritizing your family: Put your phone down, make eye contact, and show up fully for a family member.
Your Friendships
God cares about your community. Your extended family, your friends, your mentors and mentees—these people matter. You’re not responsible for every need, but you are called to serve and love the people He’s placed in your life. Hold on to these relationships and ask God how you can be a blessing in this current season.
How to start prioritizing your friendships: Schedule a regular check-in, like a weekly text or coffee with someone God’s placed in your life.
Your Local Church
Attending church isn’t just a box to check. Instead, the church is one of the primary ways God makes the world more like heaven. That’s why the Bible calls us to do our part for the body of Christ. This might mean serving, joining a small group, praying for your pastors, or inviting your friends, family, and coworkers to church.
How to start prioritizing your local church: Find one simple way to serve or get connected this month. This could look like joining a Bible study or small group, volunteering, or just showing up consistently.
Your Work
Whether you’re in ministry or marketing, cleaning floors or closing deals, your job can glorify God. Do your work as if you’re serving the Lord, because you are. Yes, jobs can be tiring and coworkers can be irritating, but those challenging moments are perfect opportunities to display God’s patience, kindness, and forgiveness.
How to start prioritizing your work: Begin each workday with a quick prayer asking God to use your efforts for His glory and the good of others.
Your Relationship With God
Spending regular time with God helps you make the most of every priority on the list above. Your daily quiet time isn’t just a mindless habit—it’s a daily reminder of God’s presence in your life. Talk to Him as you drive, pray while you walk, or listen for His voice during your lunch break to find joy in His presence.
How to start prioritizing your relationship with God: Start your day by spending five minutes in prayer or reading the Bible.
A Prayer for Godly Priorities
You can’t do everything. But with God’s help, you can do the right things today. Use this example prayer whenever you need God’s help creating priorities.
God, help me put You at the center of everything I do. Please show me what matters and give me the courage to let go of what doesn’t. Align my priorities with Your purpose for my life. In Jesus’ name, amen.
So, What Now?
Maybe there are some priorities you need to let go. Maybe there are some priorities you need to hold on to. If you want help identifying the best priorities for this season of your life, talking to a loved one or a pastor could be a great next step.
Remember, the point of biblical priorities isn’t to create a rigid set of rules that you’ll use to judge yourself or others. Instead, they’re intentional reminders of your focus, purpose, and passion as a follower of Jesus.