In his grounded and convicting message, Deacon Doug tackles a fundamental challenge for every believer: the daily choice of who—or what—sits on the throne of your heart. He reminds us that putting God first isn't a part-time job or a Sunday-only obligation; it is a lifestyle of continuous surrender. When we prioritize our own anxieties, careers, or comfort over our relationship with Christ, our lives quickly fall out of alignment. Deacon Doug challenges us to examine our daily motivations and ensure that God is the driving force behind everything we do, rather than an afterthought.
Practical Tips for Putting God First
To take Deacon Doug's message from Sunday inspiration to Monday reality, try incorporating these practical habits into your life:
First fruits of Your Day: Give God your freshest energy. Whether it is 10 minutes of quiet prayer in the morning or a short Scripture reading before you start your commute, give Him your first thoughts before the noise of the world creeps in.
The "Consult First" Habit: Before you make a decision, vent to a friend, or react to bad news, pause and take it to God in prayer first. Train yourself to look upward before looking outward.
Audit Your Commitments: Look at your weekly schedule and identify what is competing with your time with God. Be willing to set boundaries or say "no" to good things so you can say "yes" to the best thing—your spiritual growth.
Serve Out of Love, Not Duty: Shift your mindset from "having to" serve to "getting to" serve. Putting God first means looking for opportunities to show His love to your family, coworkers, and community as a natural overflow of your faith.
Call to Action
If you were to look honestly at the things that consume most of your thoughts and time right now, what is currently sitting in the place that belongs only to God, and what is one practical step you can take today to give Him back His rightful position?