Living a Christ-centered life has a profound impact on personal growth and relationships with others. It’s not about following rules, but about embodying the love and teachings of Jesus Christ in our daily lives.
The difference lies in intention. Living a Christ-centered life doesn’t mean you’re perfect or without flaws. It’s about striving to be more like Jesus, and making choices that reflect His teachings.
Living this way allows us freedom, peace, and a sense of purpose that extends beyond our personal desires.
There are seven habits that can help us live a more Christ-centered life. These habits aren’t just religious practices, but lifestyle changes that can bring us closer to Jesus.
Here are those seven habits you might want to consider incorporating into your life.
Above is the introduction for the article titled “7 habits that showcase a Christ-centered life”.
1) Daily prayer
Prayer is one of the most fundamental practices when it comes to living a Christ-centered life. It’s not about ticking a box or fulfilling a religious obligation.
Prayer is about communication. It’s about an ongoing conversation with God, about sharing your thoughts, concerns, gratitude and love with Him.
Think about it. Communication is key in any relationship, and our relationship with God is no different. Prayer is how we talk to Him, how we listen to Him, and how we build our connection with Him.
When we come to God in prayer, we recognize His place in our lives. We acknowledge that we are not alone, and we invite His guidance and wisdom into our daily decisions.
So if you want to live a Christ-centered life, start by making prayer a daily habit.
But remember, prayer shouldn’t be a burden or a chore. It should be a moment of peace, of connection, of love. It’s not about what you say or how you say it, it’s about the intention behind it.
And this is not just about praying for ourselves. It also includes praying for others – lifting their needs and concerns to God.
Above is the first point for the article “7 habits that showcase a Christ-centered life”.
2) Practicing forgiveness
Forgiveness can be a tricky concept. It’s easy to say, but much harder to do, especially when you’ve been deeply hurt or wronged. But as a follower of Christ, practicing forgiveness is not just recommended, it’s required.
Take it from my own experience. A few years ago, I was deeply hurt by someone I considered a close friend. The pain was real, and for a while, it consumed me. I was angry, I was bitter, and I wanted nothing more than to cut this person out of my life.
But then I remembered the words of Jesus in Matthew 6:14-15: “For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.”
I realized that holding onto my anger and bitterness wasn’t hurting my friend – it was hurting me. It was keeping me from living a Christ-centered life.
So I chose to forgive. It didn’t happen overnight, and it wasn’t easy. But with prayer and time, I was able to let go of my anger and hurt.
Now, I’m not saying that everything went back to the way it was before. Some relationships can’t be repaired, and that’s okay. But by choosing to forgive, I was able to find peace and move forward.
Above is the second point for the article “7 habits that showcase a Christ-centered life”.
3) Serving others
In the New Testament, the Greek word for “servant” is “diakonos”. This word is used more than 30 times, and it gives us a clear indication of how important serving others was in the teachings of Jesus.
Jesus himself said in Mark 10:45, “For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” He didn’t just talk about service, he lived it.
Serving others is not about gaining recognition or rewards. It’s about showing love and kindness without expecting anything in return. It’s about putting others’ needs before our own.
Whether it’s helping a neighbor with their groceries, volunteering at a local charity, or simply lending a listening ear to a friend in need – serving others is a powerful way to live out our faith and showcase a Christ-centered life.
Above is the third point for the article “7 habits that showcase a Christ-centered life”.
4) Regular Bible study
The Bible is more than just a book; it’s a guide for living a Christ-centered life. It contains the teachings of Jesus, the stories of His life, and the principles He wants us to live by.
But reading the Bible and studying it are two different things. Reading is about understanding the text, while studying is about understanding its context, its message, and how it applies to our lives.
A habit of regular Bible study allows us to constantly learn and grow in our understanding of God’s word. It helps us make sense of our experiences, guides our decisions, and nourishes our spiritual growth.
Remember, Bible study isn’t about how many verses you can memorize; it’s about understanding the heart of God and letting His word shape your life.
Above is the fourth point for the article “7 habits that showcase a Christ-centered life”.
5) Embracing community
We weren’t meant to do life alone. The early church in the book of Acts gives us a beautiful picture of community. They shared meals, prayed together, and supported each other in times of need.
I remember a time when I was going through a particularly challenging season. I felt isolated and overwhelmed. It was during this time that I truly discovered the importance of community.
I started attending a small group at my local church. At first, it felt uncomfortable sharing my struggles with others. But as I opened up, I realized that everyone had their own challenges and we could support each other.
That community became a safe haven for me. They prayed for me, encouraged me, and walked alongside me during my toughest times.
Embracing community is about forming relationships with fellow believers who can encourage you in your faith, hold you accountable, and support you when you need it.
Above is the fifth point for the article “7 habits that showcase a Christ-centered life”.
6) Being grateful
Gratitude is a powerful practice. It shifts our focus from what we lack to what we have. It helps us see the blessings in our lives, even in the midst of challenges.
Living a Christ-centered life involves recognizing the grace and blessings that God bestows upon us each day. From the air we breathe to the love we receive from those around us, there are countless reasons to be thankful.
Gratitude isn’t about ignoring the difficulties in life. Instead, it’s about acknowledging that despite these challenges, there’s a bigger picture filled with blessings.
Ephesians 5:20 says, “always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.” This verse is a clear call for us to cultivate a habit of gratitude in our lives.
Above is the sixth point for the article “7 habits that showcase a Christ-centered life”.
7) Living authentically
At its core, a Christ-centered life is about authenticity. It’s about living a life that is genuine and true to the teachings of Jesus.
Authenticity means not just talking the talk, but walking the walk. It’s about aligning our actions with our beliefs, and being the same person in private as we are in public.
Jesus condemned hypocrisy in the strongest terms. He calls us to an authentic lifestyle, where our lives reflect His love and grace.
This is perhaps the most important aspect of living a Christ-centered life. Because when we live authentically, our lives become a testimony to the transformative power of Jesus.
Above is the final point for the article “7 habits that showcase a Christ-centered life”.
Final reflection: It’s a journey
The path to a Christ-centered life is not a sprint, but a marathon. It involves making conscious decisions every day to align our lives with the teachings of Jesus.
One powerful verse that encapsulates this journey is Micah 6:8, “He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.”
These words remind us that at the heart of a Christ-centered life is justice, mercy, and humility. It’s about treating others fairly, showing compassion, and recognizing that we are not the center of the universe – God is.
Whether it’s through daily prayer, serving others, studying the Bible, or embracing community, each habit contributes to our spiritual growth and deepens our relationship with Christ.
Remember, it’s not about perfection but progress. As we strive to live out these habits, we grow closer to Jesus and become more like Him.
Above is the closing section for the article “7 habits that showcase a Christ-centered life”.
