What does it look like to live a Christian life? How is Christian living any different from the life that people from other religious faiths live? What are the benefits of living a Christian life? How do we know that Christian living is what God expects of us?
These are very pertaining and relevant questions believers have to address as they witness to others about the benefits of becoming followers of Jesus Christ. The uniqueness of Christian living is based on life’s principles taught by our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. It is also reflected in the life that he lived, the love that he expressed, and the sacrifice that he made for the sake of all humanity.
Christian living is about reflecting and mirroring Christ-like characteristics, temperaments, attitudes, and perspectives. This can only be done by obeying the word of God. The Bible provides necessary instructions for Christian living. It provides the tools and knowledge for being transformed by the power of the Holy Spirit and not being conformed to the pattern of this world.
In the ABCs of Christian living, the A stands for authentic discipleship. We must be faithful to our Lord, genuine in our commitment to honor him, committed to his great commission work, concerned about others, and convicted against sinful living. An authentic disciple loves unconditionally, is dedicated to a life of service, and prioritizes kingdom work over personal goals and agenda.
The B stands for believable discipleship. Do other people genuinely believe your Christian testimony? Is your Christian witness credible? Unless our discipleship is believable, our witnessing about Christ is ineffectual.
Believable discipleship is reflected through passionate worship, compassionate fellowship, informed knowledge of the word of God, a willingness to share the gospel with grace, and unwavering faith in the God who saved us. What makes our discipleship believable is our commitment to holiness and the strength of character with which we interact with others. It is the symbol of integrity that defines our personality that makes us believable disciples of Christ.
The C stands for committed discipleship. Many of the trials we experience are designed to test our commitment to Christian living. Just as soldiers go through basic training to prove their commitment to military life, Christians have to be tested as well.
The Christian life we are called to live includes personal trials and tribulations. It requires the willingness to make the ultimate sacrifice based on the commitment to prioritize God and His kingdom over all else. Our commitment to Christ does not make us unique. It reflects our identity and confirms our eternal destiny.
Today’s text answers the five questions I raised at the beginning of this devotional and speaks to the ABCs of Christian living. What does it look like to live a Christian life? It means having non-Christians act more Christian-like around you because of your influence. How is Christian living any different from the life that people from other religious faiths live? Well, just think about the life you used to live before you became a follower of Jesus and the life you are living now. What are the benefits of living a Christian life? Inexplicable joy in trials, amazing strength in our weakness, and the audacity of hope in desperate circumstances. How do we know that Christian living is what God expects of us? Because his word says it, and I believe it.
Prayer- Lord, may those that are struggling to live the Christian life become more self-assured in their relationship with you. Please teach them the ABCs of Christian living so they can become authentic disciples of Christ.