The Best for First

There’s a common phrase people use: “Save the best for last.” But lately I’ve been challenged with a different thought: What if we pursued the best first?

Jesus said in Matthew 6:33, “Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” There is a principle throughout Scripture that what comes first matters. First fruits. Firstborn. First priority. God has always been interested in what we place first because first reveals trust, value, and dependence.

At Thrive Teaching, we talk often about supernatural business — the idea that our work is not separated from our relationship with God. And personally, I have found that one of the most transformational practices in my life has been giving the first part of my day to the Lord.

Not the leftovers. Not the exhausted end of the day. The first.

Setting the Tone for the Day

I cannot overstate how significant this has been in my life. When I spend intentional time with God in the morning — in prayer, Scripture, worship, or simply sitting quietly in His presence — my entire day changes.

I am more productive. More focused. More intentional.

I carry more grace into conversations. More compassion into meetings. More patience with people. More appreciation for what God is doing around me.

In contrast, the rare days I skip that time, I notice the difference almost immediately. I become more easily agitated, more critical, more reactive, and more driven by flesh than by Spirit. It’s amazing how quickly the pace of life can start leading us instead of God leading us.

David understood this when he wrote:

“O Lord, in the morning you hear my voice; in the morning I prepare a sacrifice for you and watch.” — Psalm 5:3

There is something powerful about meeting with God before the demands of the world begin competing for our attention.

Designed to Connect

Interestingly, neuroscience also supports the significance of the morning. Researchers have found that the brain is especially receptive in the early hours of the day. After sleep, our minds are less cluttered by decision fatigue and external stimulation. The prefrontal cortex — the part of the brain responsible for focus, emotional regulation, wisdom, and intentional thinking — functions more effectively when it hasn’t yet been overloaded by stress and information.

In many ways, mornings offer a natural window for clarity, reflection, and alignment.

Even our physiology points toward this rhythm. Cortisol levels naturally rise in the morning to help wake us up and prepare us for the day. When that time is paired with prayer, gratitude, worship, and Scripture, it can create a powerful sense of peace, direction, and emotional stability before entering the pressures of work and leadership.

I don’t think this is accidental.

I believe God designed us to connect with Him in a unique way in the morning. That doesn’t mean God only speaks early in the day, but there is something sacred about giving Him our first attention instead of our remaining energy.

Maybe the goal is not to save the best for last.

Maybe wisdom is learning to give our best first — our first attention, first focus, first moments, and first affection to the One who sustains everything else.