There’s a strange tension many of us live with. We keep stacking things on our plates hoping the next win, a more relaxing vacation, or stronger relationship will make life feel more significant. But even when we get it all, it still feels like something’s missing. The truth is, when Jesus isn’t first, nothing else works the way it should.

The Bible says, “Christ is also the head of the church… So he is first in everything.” (Colossians 1:18, NLT) When we take this scripture as reality and not just “good advice” everything begins to make sense. Jesus isn’t supposed to be an accessory to our life or a mascot for our beliefs. He’s the foundation, the point of it all, The One who holds everything together.

We put Jesus first because He put us first. Long before you prayed your first prayer or made your first mistake, Jesus had already chosen the cross for us. The life of Jesus isn’t a motivational story, it’s the good news that Christ died for our sins, was buried, and rose again (1 Corinthians 15:3-4). That’s where real “relief” begins.

Putting Jesus first means surrendering the need to be in control of everything else. It’s letting His love define your worth instead of culture’s shifting standards. It’s choosing truth over trends, prioritizing what’s eternal over what’s temporary. It’s saying, “I won’t just fit Jesus into my life, I’ll build my life around Him.”

Here’s the thing: a church, a home, a life can be full of activity and still feel empty if Jesus isn’t at the center. We can fill calendars, chase blessings, even do good things, but if we’ve moved Jesus to the perimeter of our life instead of the center, you’ve lost what matters most.

Jesus isn’t just one option among many. He’s the way, the truth, and the life (John 14:6). When He’s first in place, everything else finds its rightful order. Relationships make sense. Purpose becomes clear. Faith feels real.

If you’ve been running on empty, wondering why life feels off-balance, it could be that Jesus has slipped to second, third, or tenth place. The good news is you can put Him first today (again, or for the first time).