First Things First: Making Your Relationship with Christ Your Top Priority

Is Christ truly my first priority? I don't mean like you know, He is important and that He should be your first priority. I mean, He IS your first priority.

As Christian women, we often wear many hats that are seen and unseen. Mother, wife, sister, friend, professional, volunteer, and the list goes on and on. Our calendars fill up quickly, and before we know it, we’re running on empty, wondering where the day, week, or year has gone. But in all the chaos, we often forget the most important relationship in our lives: our relationship with Jesus. Over the last few weeks I have been praying about what to share with you all and one theme keeps coming up in all of my personal reading, sermons I’ve listened to, and in conversations I’ve had with my brothers and sisters in Christ…Relationship.

Let’s pause for a moment and ask a hard question…Is Christ truly my first priority? I don’t mean like, you know He is important and that He should be your first priority.  I mean, He IS your first priority.

It’s easy to say He is, especially when we're involved in ministry, attend church regularly, or post Bible verses on social media. But prioritizing Christ goes beyond outward appearances and actions.  It’s about the posture of our hearts.

In Luke 10, we see the story of Mary and Martha. While Martha was “worried and upset about many things,” Mary chose to sit at Jesus’ feet and listen. Martha wasn’t doing anything wrong. She was serving, working hard, being hospitable, all the right things, but Jesus gently reminded her that “only one thing is necessary.” Mary chose it. She prioritized Him.

We often live in Martha-mode, rushing from task to task, even in service to others. I am so guilty of living in Martha-mode, often running out of steam before I realize that I haven’t chosen the right thing…to sit and be still at the feet of Jesus. Jesus calls us to a Mary-heart.  That’s a life that begins with Him. A life that truly prioritizes Him before all else.  

Making Christ first matters for many reasons, but I’ll point out these three:

1. Everything flows from Him.

When Christ is first, everything else aligns. Peace takes root. Wisdom grows. Joy becomes a daily companion, not because life gets easier, but because He becomes your center.

2. It deepens your identity.

The world is loud with opinions about who you should be. But when you abide in Christ, you discover who you truly are.  You are chosen, loved, forgiven, and equipped.

3. It strengthens your relationships.

When Jesus leads your heart, you love your family better. You lead your children with grace. You forgive more easily. You become the friend, wife, or mother you were called to be. Not out of striving, but out of overflow.

So, what have I learned and reflected upon while thinking about making sure that I’m living a Mary-life and that I’m intentionally seeking a strong relationship with Christ?

• Start your day with Him. Even if it’s 10 minutes before the house wakes up. Read Scripture, pray, worship. Let your heart hear His voice first.

• Protect your time with God. Schedule it like you would any important appointment. Don’t let it be the first thing to go when life gets busy.

• Stay connected throughout the day. Whisper prayers. Play worship music. Meditate on a verse. Invite Him into your everyday moments.

• Be part of a faith community. We were never meant to walk alone. Find women who will pray with you, challenge you, and keep your eyes on Jesus.

Take a moment today to honestly reflect: What have I placed above Jesus in my life? It may not be something bad. It could be your family, your job, your ministry, or your comfort. But anything that takes His place becomes an idol, no matter how good it is. Idols are not always the gold, bronze, and wooden statues that we immediately think of.  An idol is anything… let me say that again, ANYTHING that takes the place of God in your life.

The good news? He’s always ready for you to return. His arms are open, His grace is enough, and His presence is the only place your soul will truly find rest.

Let’s be women who choose the “one thing that is necessary.” Let’s sit at His feet, walk in His Word, and let every part of our lives be shaped by the One who gave everything for us.

You don’t need more time. You just need to put first things first. Start with Jesus.

“But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be provided for you.” — Matthew 6:33

Written by Melissa Eastwood- Read her bio in "writers" of the menu.