https://youtu.be/mkCu7ydCCmQ?si=iXQc0EpnHIaJM143

Good morning, good afternoon, or good evening—wherever you may be today. I want to take a moment to talk about something that has the power to change your life, your future, and your destiny. That something is faith—putting God first in everything that you do.

Many of us chase success. We chase money. We chase fame, recognition, and material possessions. And while there is nothing inherently wrong with success, the question is—what is the foundation of your success? What are you building your life upon? Denzel Washington once said, “Put God first in everything you do. Everything that I have is by the grace of God. Understand that. It’s a gift.”

Let that sink in for a moment. Everything that we have is by the grace of God. The breath in our lungs, the strength in our bodies, the opportunities before us—it is all a gift. But so often, we get caught up in thinking that we are self-made, that we are the authors of our own success. The truth is, no matter how hard you work, no matter how talented you are, no matter how many doors you open—without God, you are building on shaky ground.

The Power of Prioritizing God

When you put God first, everything else falls into place. That doesn’t mean life will be easy. That doesn’t mean you won’t face struggles, setbacks, or failures. But it does mean that you will have a firm foundation when the storms of life come. And believe me, the storms will come.

When you are climbing the ladder of success, don’t climb it so fast that you forget who is holding it. Don’t chase success so hard that you leave behind your character, your integrity, and your faith. The Bible says in Matthew 6:33, “Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto you.” Notice that it doesn’t say to seek success first. It doesn’t say to seek money first. It says to seek God first. When you do that, the right doors will open. The right opportunities will come. And even when you face obstacles, you will have the peace that surpasses understanding.

Success Without God Is Empty

Denzel Washington once shared a story about a mentor who told him, “You’ll never see a U-Haul behind a hearse.” In other words, you can’t take material things with you when you leave this world. Fame fades. Money comes and goes. Success is temporary. But what lasts is your faith, your legacy, and the lives you impact along the way.

How many times have we seen people who seem to have it all—money, fame, and power—yet they feel empty inside? That’s because success without purpose is meaningless. And purpose comes from God. When you put Him first, He will guide you to your true calling, to the path you were meant to walk.

Faith and Hard Work Go Hand in Hand

Putting God first doesn’t mean sitting back and waiting for blessings to fall into your lap. Faith without works is dead. You have to work hard. You have to be disciplined. You have to take action. But when you do it with God at the center, your work is blessed.

Denzel Washington says he prays every night. He thanks God every day. Gratitude is powerful. When you recognize that your talents, your opportunities, and your success come from God, you remain humble. Humility keeps you grounded. It keeps you from making success an idol. It keeps you from losing yourself in the pursuit of worldly things.

How to Put God First in Your Life

You might be wondering—what does it actually mean to put God first? How do you do that in your everyday life?

1. Start with Prayer – Begin and end each day with prayer. Acknowledge God. Thank Him for what He has done. Seek His guidance for your life.

2. Study His Word – The Bible is filled with wisdom for every aspect of life. Whether you are facing challenges, making decisions, or seeking direction, God’s Word provides answers.

3. Live with Integrity – Success without character is a failure in disguise. Honor God in the way you live, the way you treat others, and the choices you make.

4. Serve Others – True success is not just about what you achieve for yourself, but about how you use your success to help others. Jesus said, “The greatest among you shall be your servant.” Find ways to give back, to uplift others, and to make a difference.

5. Trust in His Timing – Sometimes, we want success on our schedule. We want everything to happen right now. But God’s timing is perfect. Trust that when you put Him first, He will open the right doors at the right time.

Your Life Has a Greater Purpose

You were not put on this earth just to make money, just to acquire things, just to climb the corporate ladder. You were created with a purpose. And that purpose is bigger than you. It is about making an impact. It is about using your gifts to glorify God and to serve others.

When you put God first, you live with a sense of purpose. You wake up each day knowing that your life has meaning. You approach challenges with faith instead of fear. You walk in confidence, knowing that God is directing your steps.

Final Words

Denzel Washington is a man who has achieved great success. He has won awards, he has starred in blockbuster films, and he has inspired millions. But through it all, he has never forgotten where his blessings come from. He has never forgotten to put God first.

So, as you chase your dreams, as you work toward success, as you build your future—remember this: Put God first. Trust in Him. Seek Him in all that you do. And when you reach the top, don’t forget who helped you get there.

Your success is not just about you. It’s about the people you can help, the lives you can change, and the legacy you can leave behind. And when you build your life on faith, on integrity, and on purpose, you will not only find success—you will find true fulfillment.

Put God first, and watch how your life transforms