There are some gifts that God can’t get unless you give them to him. He won’t demand them or take them by force—but when you give them freely, you show how much you love him. One of those gifts is to give him first place in every area of your life.

Exodus 20:3 says, “You shall have no other gods before me” (NIV). When you have anything other than God in first place in your life, that’s an idol. Even good things like family and careers can be idols. But the truth is that you wouldn’t have those good things if it weren’t for God, and they were never meant to take God’s place.

Think of it this way. If you make your career or family the most important thing in your life and you lose them, then your life falls apart. First place should be given to the One who can never be taken from you: God. You can lose everything else you have, but you’ll never lose God.

Here’s how to put God first in five major areas of your life:

F – Finances. Give him the first part of your money by tithing. Before you spend money on anything else, give the first 10 percent to God. It all comes from him anyway, and tithing is one way of seeking God’s blessing on all of your finances.

I – Interests. Give God first place in your interests by making him your primary focus.

R – Relationships. Make your relationship with God first, above all other relationships. Your family and friends will have enormous security knowing that they’re second in your life and that God is number one.

S – Schedule. Schedule time with God before anything else. For many people, it works best to give him the first part of your day with a quiet time. Regardless of when you have your quiet time, be sure to set aside time for God before your schedule fills up. 

T – Troubles. When troubles come, go to God first. Don’t panic; pray. Talk to God about it right away. Make prayer the first choice and not the last resort.

Jesus makes an amazing promise to those who put God first: “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” (Matthew 6:33 NIV).

As you prepare gifts for other people this Christmas season, remember to give God the gift of yourself by putting him first in every area of your life.