How to begin putting God first- Lenten Reflections 2025- Day 3

In a world full of distractions, it’s easy to get caught up in things that don’t last- things that seem important at the moment but ultimately leave us feeling empty. This Lent, let’s take a step back and realign our priorities by putting God first.

Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. – Matthew 6:19–21

Have you ever noticed how easy it is to get caught up in chasing after things that don’t last?

Maybe it’s the thrill of buying new clothes or accessories that make you feel great for a moment. Or perhaps it’s focusing so much on your social life- trying to hang out with the “right” crowd or attending every event.

In the moment, it feels good, but eventually, the excitement fades and you’re left thinking “What now?”

That’s what Jesus talks about in Matthew 6:19-24 when He says, “Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” What we treasure shapes how we live and what we prioritise. If we focus on things that are temporary- like seeking approval from others, or trying to achieve perfection, our hearts will follow those things and they’ll eventually leave us empty.

The pursuit of perfection and approval

Take the pursuit of perfection, for example. We might chase after the “perfect” body, the “perfect” life, or the perfect version of ourselves we want the world to see. But perfection is impossible. When we don’t meet those standards, we feel discouraged and unfulfilled.

Or maybe you’ve been caught up in trying to impress others or be seen at every gathering, hoping to be accepted. In the moment, it feels great, but when the attention fades, we realise that the approval of others doesn’t bring lasting happiness.

But when we focus on God and His Kingdom, we start to treasure things that never lose value. It doesn’t mean we ignore everything else, but we begin to put God first in all things. So this Lent, let’s reflect on what we’re truly treasuring. Is it fleeting things like perfection or social approval, or is it the peace and purpose that come from putting God first?

How to begin putting God first?

Start by putting God first in the little moments.

The first thought you have

When you wake up in the morning, what’s the first thought on your mind?

Do you immediately start thinking about your to-do list or do you surrender your day to God?

Thank Him for the rest you had and ask for His help throughout the day. Simple acts like this help set the tone for a God-centred day.

The first thing you do

Think about the first thing you do when you pick up your phone.

Do you immediately scroll through social media, check your messages, or catch up on the latest news? Instead, why not take a moment to pray or reflect on how God can guide your day?

Giving God the first moments of your day helps set your heart in the right direction.

Gratitude in the little things

When you’re hungry, do you eat mindlessly or thank God for the food He has provided?

Showing gratitude for the simple things, like a meal or the people in your life, helps refocus our hearts on what really matters.

What kind of person do you want to be?

Think about the kind of person you want to become. Is it someone praised by others or someone praised by God?

We often get caught up in the approval of others, but true fulfilment comes when we live a life of integrity, seeking God’s approval above all else.

Would you rather hear the applause of people or hear God say, “Well done, my good and faithful servant”?

What about your money?

How do you view your money? Do you hoard it, worrying about the future or do you share it, trusting that God will provide for your needs?

A heart focused on God understands that wealth isn’t just for our benefit, but can be used to bless others. Trust that God will provide and don’t act as though you’re the sole provider for your life.

How do you end your day?

How do you wrap up your day?

Do you collapse into bed without thinking of God or do you take a moment to pray, reflect, and thank Him for the day?

Ending your day with gratitude and prayer helps centre your heart on the eternal and reminds you of God’s presence in every part of your life.

Whatever we treasure, that’s where our heart will be. And wherever our hearts are, that’s what will get us closer to God. So, let’s realign our hearts this Lent by putting God first and make His Kingdom our true treasure. Because when we focus on what truly matters, everything else falls into its rightful place.

Found this post useful? You might like reading these too:

Lenten Reflection Day 2- How to choose God’s way

Lenten Reflection Day 1- How to deal with life’s struggles

The surprising truth about pursuing self-worth

How to love your self and love your neighbour

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