The Incredible Power of Proper Priorities

August 16, 2026

Adrian Rogers

Sermon Overview

Scripture Passage: Matthew 6:33

A life built around Jesus Christ is the key to peace, purpose, and provision. In a culture drowning in distraction, we must make the kingdom of God the center of our lives. Only then will we see the incredible power of proper priorities.

Matthew 6:33 says, “But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.”

The Problem: Misplaced Priorities

America is spending more money than ever trying to fix its problems—yet it seems our problems continue increasing. The reason is simple: values determine priorities, and priorities determine success or failure.

The Principle: Christ's Preeminence

Colossians 1:17–19 says that Jesus is “before all things, and in Him all things consist.”

God's entire plan for history is that Christ would hold first place in all things. Putting Christ first isn't limiting. It's the source of real power.

Adrian Rogers compares Christ’s preeminence in our lives to water: "Water channeled becomes a mighty river. Spread out, it becomes a stagnant swamp."

The Practice: Four Expressions of Priority

What does it actually look like to put Christ first?

• First thought each morning: Begin your day by yielding to God. One simple practice: Praise Him, Abide in Him, yield Control to Him, and Expect Him to work. Start there.

• First day of the week: Sunday is the Lord's Day, not just a day off. Gathering with other believers to worship and fellowship belongs at the front of your week.

• Firstfruits of your income: Tithing isn't giving God what's left over. It's honoring Him first. Jesus promised that those who do will find He provides.

• First consideration in every decision: Every choice—your job, your relationships, your free time—should be filtered through one question: “Does this help me keep Christ first?”

The Promise: Freedom from Worry

Jesus commands us not to worry, and He gives us the reason: worry is needless, senseless, useless, faithless, and inexcusable. Willpower is not the cure for anxiety—it's proper priority. When Christ is truly first, the grip of worry loosens.

Apply it to your life

Something is already first in your life—that's not a question, it's a fact. The real question is what. Take an honest look at your life and consider where Christ is clearly not first. Make a change.

A life brought into focus around Christ won't feel smaller—it will finally feel like it's going somewhere.