7 Steps for Living a Christ-centered Life

I put this post together yesterday and debated publishing it because I don’t want to seem tone deaf to what’s happening in our country at the moment.

Yesterday, an assassin attempted to take out presidential candidate, Donald Trump. This is simultaneously sad, despicable, and infuriating.

What is happening to our country?

This is what the continuous spewing of vitriolic hate and demonization of another human leads to in our contemporary society.

We can disagree without killing each other. We should stand up for what we believe in. We can do that without violence. Words matter.

We must do better.

Do all that you can to live in peace with everyone.

Romans 12:18 (NLT)

How do I live a more Christlike life?

Beginning with a single step of faith, living a Christ-centered life unfolds over the course of a lifetime through a lifelong pursuit of a growing relationship with our Lord and Savior, Jesus. It is marked by transformation, love, and service.

Living a life centered on Christ is not just about following a book of rules. It means allowing His teachings to guide every aspect of our life.

Here are 7 steps to guide you on this incredible journey of living a Christ-centered life:

Start with Prayer

The Apostle Paul teaches us the value of staying in constant communication with God.

Never stop praying.

1 Thessalonians 5:17 NLT

Prayer is the lifeblood of a Christ-centered life. It is a means through which we express our gratitude, seek guidance, and find strength. It’s in our quiet moments of prayer that we are able to align our hearts with God’s will.

Immerse yourself in Scripture

This is advice I consistently get for pretty much anything having to do with growing in the Christian faith. Immerse yourself in Scripture. Plunge in. Do a deep dive.

All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right.

2 Timothy 3:16 NLT

The Bible is our roadmap. It offers us wisdom, encouragement, and the instructions for living a godly life. Through regularly reading and meditating on Scripture, we let God’s Word shape our thoughts, actions, and attitudes.

Follow Christ’s Lead

Jesus perfectly modeled how to live a life marked by humility, compassion, and unconditional love. Jesus taught us to love our neighbors as ourselves (Mark 12:31) and to serve rather than be served (Mark 10:45).

Living life like Jesus means we are actively seeking ways to demonstrate love and serve those around us.

Cultivate a Heart of Worship

Worship is more than singing songs on Sunday. Worship is a lifestyle. We do everything for the purpose of glorifying God.

So whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.

1 Corinthians 10:31 NLT

Our work, our relationships, and our leisure activities can be acts of worship when they are done with a heart of gratitude and a desire to honor God.

Is what you’re thinking, saying, or doing right now glorifying God?

Engage in Community

The last few years serving the homeless while working at OurCalling have taught me that healthy community leads people to thrive and flourish whereas the lack of community steals, destroys, and kills. The lack of fellowship extinguishes life. Loneliness diminishes the life God has given us.

The Christian life was never meant to be lived in isolation. Loneliness diminishes the life God has given us.

Being part of a fellowship of faith provides support, accountability, and opportunities for growth. Through community, we learn from one another and can encourage each other in our faith journeys.

For where two or three gather together as my followers, I am there among them.

Matthew 18:20 NLT

Serve Others

Jesus, Himself, demonstrated the importance of service through His actions and teachings. Follow His example.

For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others and to give his life as a ransom for many.

Mark 10:45 NLT

Serving others is a real way to show God’s love and to genuinely reflect Christ’s character.

Look for opportunities to serve within your community and beyond.

Trust in God’s Plan

As I shared with my fellow blogger, Bridget, in response to her Friday post, in the past year and half or so, God has really shown me how trusting Him leads to far better results than I could ever imagine. 

Navigating life’s challenges is difficult. Of this fact, there is no doubt. But, we are steadfastly reminded to trust in God with all our hearts and not lean on our own understanding.

A Christ-centered life is marked by a deep trust in God’s sovereignty and His good and perfect plans for us. In every situation, we can rest in the assurance of His love and faithfulness. We can trust Him. God keeps His word.

Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding.

Proverbs 3:5 NLT

Living a Christ-centered life calls for a committed and disciplined life. Growing more Christlike is a journey.

Pursuing to live a life like Jesus, involves making daily decisions keeping Christ at the center and having the courage to follow Him with all abandon. We must be willing to go wherever our Savior leads us.

The path will not always be easy. However, the rewards are eternal.

By keeping our eyes on Jesus, we can find purpose, experience joy, and live with the peace that surpasses all our understanding. Let us strive to live in such a way that reflects His light and love to the world.

I hope you are blessed by what I’ve written and shared with you today. . I encourage you to memorize the Bible verses I’ve included in this post because doing so will help you build a strong foundation.

Know that you are loved.

Please pray for our country. America needs our prayers now more than ever.

Rainer Bantau —The Devotional Guy™