What is living a life centered on Christ? Is it a life that echoes the call of Romans 12:2 to not conform to the pattern of this world but be transformed by the renewing of our minds or is it a life where, as stated in Matthew 22:37-39, we need to ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind,’ and ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’
Both are different aspects of a Christ-centered life. I admit I do overcomplicate things sometimes, but this part of the Bible is crystal clear.
The Importance of Living a Christ-Centered Life
1. Awakening to Christ’s Presence
Christ assures us of His continual presence in our lives in Matthew 28:20, “And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” Awakening to Christ’s presence means cultivating a conscious awareness of this divine companionship, inviting His guidance into all areas of our lives.
2. Anchoring in Faith
Our faith, as described in Hebrews 6:19, acts as an “anchor for the soul, firm and secure.” Anchoring ourselves in faith means having a firm trust in God’s promises, His unconditional love, and His providence. It’s about allowing our faith to be the solid rock on which we stand, giving us strength and stability amid life’s storms.
3. Fostering a Life of Love and Compassion
Living a Christ-filled life calls us to a higher standard of love and compassion, as expressed in John 13:34, “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.” This divine love extends beyond feelings – it calls for action. It invites us to show empathy, understanding, and kindness in our interactions with others.
4. Experiencing God’s Unconditional Love
Immerse yourself in God’s unconditional love, a love so profound and unchanging that, as Romans 8:38-39 tells us, “neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” This love has the power to transform us, instilling in us a profound sense of self-worth and purpose.
5. Gaining a Deeper Understanding of Scripture
With every word breathed by God as a tool for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness (2 Timothy 3:16), gaining a deeper understanding of scripture is an integral part of living a Christ-filled life. As we study and meditate on God’s Word, we gain insights into His nature, His promises, and His will for our lives.
6. Cultivating Inner Peace
Amid the chaos and turbulence of the world, a Christ-filled life offers an oasis of peace, the kind of peace that, according to Philippians 4:7, “transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” By relying on God and trusting in His sovereignty, we can experience this profound sense of tranquility.
Living the Christ-Centered Life: Practical Steps
1. Daily Reflection and Prayer
1 Thessalonians 5:17 encourages us to “pray continually.” Through daily reflection and prayer, we can foster a personal and deep relationship with God. Reflecting on His Word and communicating with Him through prayer, allows us to better understand His will and grow spiritually.
2. Lectio Divina: Meditating on the Word
This traditional practice of divine reading calls us to meditate on God’s Word, transforming reading into a process of deep and contemplative understanding. With this practice, we follow the advice given in Joshua 1:8 to “keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night.”
3. Being Part of a Faith Community
We’re encouraged in Hebrews 10:24-25 to spur one another on towards love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another. By being part of a faith community, we can fulfill this directive, gaining support and offering support in return.
4. Serving Others in Christ’s Name
Serving others is a crucial part of living a Christ-centered life. As Matthew 20:28 teaches us, Christ “did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” Following His example, we can shine His light in our world, touching lives with His love.
5. Fostering Forgiveness and Reconciliation
In a Christ-centered life, forgiveness plays a vital role. Ephesians 4:32 encourages us to “Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” As we adopt this spirit of forgiveness, we promote healing and peace in our relationships.
6. Embracing Humility
Living a Christ-centered life also involves embracing humility. Philippians 2:3 advises us to “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves.” Humility helps us to better reflect Christ in our lives, fostering an attitude of gratitude and mutual respect.
Living a Christ-filled life is indeed an enriching journey, a journey that embodies the essence of John 10:10, “I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” To fully experience life as promised by Christ, we should follow his teachings, pray and reflect daily, serve others, forgive and be humble. This lifestyle is not merely about personal fulfilment; it’s about being a beacon of His love and peace to the world around us. This is the profound beauty and importance of living a Christ-filled life.
And this is why Christian Bible Printables was created – to help us draw closer to Christ and enable us to live out our calling of being the salt and light of the world.
