“Whoever claims to live in Him must live as Jesus did.” 1 John 2:6
The wonderful gift of the Gospel is that it changes us not only on the inside (our heart), but on the outside as well (our life). In other words, our lives as Christians should be demonstrated in our daily living. Our lives should validate us on the outside what our hearts believe on the inside.
The spiritual path of a believer in Jesus Christ is not a religious experience. It is a life committed to self-discipline, self-denial and self-commitment to the discipleship of Jesus Christ. To be a servant of God, we must give up the pleasures of self-gratification and selfishness, and learn the power of humility, faith, hope, and love to receive the power of God.
But, you may ask, “How do I live my life for God?” Well, God has given us some very clear instructions in His Word as to how we are to live for Him.
These include the command to love one another (John 13:34-35), the call to follow Him at the cost of denying our own desires (Matthew 16:24), the exhortation to care for the poor and needy (James 1:27), and the warning to not fall into sinful behaviors like those who don’t know God (1 Thessalonians 5:6-8).
Jesus summed up a life lived for God when a teacher of the law asked Him the most important of commandments. Jesus replied, “Hear, O Israel, the Lord our God, the Lord is one. Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength. The second is this: Love your neighbor as yourself. There is no commandment greater than these” (Mark 12:29-31).
It is not possible for those who obey Jesus’ teachings to live lives that are essentially not significantly different than their kind and agnostic neighbors. The life of a Christian should outwardly reflect their inner faith.
Look back at the end of each day and ask yourself if your words and actions have mirrored the teachings of Jesus. As you look forward to the day ahead think about what Jesus would say and do in each situation you face and then live a life so that others would know you are a Christian without your having to tell them.
Lord, I have given my heart to you. I know I am clean on the inside, but help me to not get caught up in the wicked sin of the world and act like the unsaved. Help me to draw apart from the ways of the world and live a Jesus reflected life.
By John Grant
Used by Permission
John Grant is a former Florida State Senator and is a practicing attorney
Further Reading
• A Call to Godly Living – by Charles Stanley
• Living One Day at a Time– By Palitha Jayasooriya