If you want to live a Christ-centered life, adopt these 9 habits

Living a Christ-centered life is more than just attending church on Sundays. It’s about aligning your daily choices, actions and habits with the teachings of Jesus.

The difference comes down to commitment. Living a Christ-centered life means being intentional in making choices that reflect Christ’s love and teachings, not just when it’s convenient.

Adopting certain habits can help you live a life more focused on Christ. And believe me, it’s not as daunting as it sounds.

In this article, I will share with you nine habits to incorporate into your daily routine to lead a more Christ-centered life. These habits are simple, practical and, most importantly, transformative.

So, if you’re ready to make a commitment to living a life that is more reflective of Christ’s love and teachings, then keep reading.

1) Daily prayer

In the world of faith, there isn’t a more powerful habit than prayer.

And those who live a Christ-centered life understand the significance of this spiritual communication.

Often, you’ll find yourself in situations where you need guidance or strength. And it can be tough to know which way to go.

Enter the power of prayer.

Prayer is a fundamental aspect of Christianity, serving as a direct line of communication to God. It’s a moment where we surrender our worries, seek wisdom, and express gratitude.

Think about it. It’s the idea behind every testimony of answered prayers, as well as all those verses in the Bible encouraging us to pray without ceasing.

When faced with challenges, those who live a Christ-centered life often turn to prayer instead of relying solely on their understanding.

So if you desire to live a life more focused on Christ, make it a habit to engage in daily prayer.

And remember, this is not about being religious but about establishing a personal relationship with God.

2) Regular Bible study

Now, let me tell you about a habit that has personally transformed my faith journey: regular Bible study.

In the hustle and bustle of everyday life, it’s easy to overlook the importance of immersing oneself in God’s Word. But believe me, it makes all the difference.

I remember when I was just starting my journey as a Christian. I felt lost, unsure of how to navigate the trials and tribulations I was facing. But once I started studying the Bible regularly, things started to shift.

The Bible became my compass, guiding me on how to live a Christ-centered life. It wasn’t just about reading random verses; it was about understanding the context, meditating on the words, and applying them in my daily life.

Every time I felt confused or overwhelmed, I found solace in the Scriptures. They became my source of comfort and wisdom, teaching me to trust in God’s plan even when I couldn’t see it.

So, if you’re seeking to live a Christ-centered life, make it a habit to study the Bible regularly. It’s not just about knowing the stories; it’s about letting those words shape your character and guide your decisions.

And take it from me, there’s nothing more empowering than navigating life armed with God’s Word.

3) Serving others

Living a Christ-centered life isn’t just about personal growth; it’s also about extending love, kindness, and service to others.

This habit of serving others isn’t just a suggestion; it’s an integral part of Christian living. It’s deeply rooted in the teachings and actions of Jesus himself.

Jesus washed the feet of his disciples in an act of service and humility. This act wasn’t just a one-time thing; it was a demonstration of the kind of life Jesus called his followers to lead.

In fact, in the book of Mark, Jesus said, “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.”

This call to serve isn’t just about doing good deeds; it’s about embodying the selfless love that Jesus demonstrated.

So if you want to live a Christ-centered life, strive to serve others not out of obligation, but out of genuine love and humility. Because there’s no better way to reflect the heart of Jesus than by serving those around us.

4) Regular fellowship

Living a Christ-centered life isn’t a solo journey. It involves being part of a community that supports, encourages, and uplifts each other in faith.

Regular fellowship with other believers is a habit that not only strengthens your faith but also provides an environment where you can share your experiences, learn from others, and grow together in Christ.

It’s easy to isolate ourselves, especially when life gets tough. But remember, the early church thrived on fellowship. They broke bread together, prayed together, and shared their lives with one another.

So make it a habit to regularly engage in fellowship. This could be through church services, small group meetings, or simply spending time with fellow believers.

Remember, we are called to encourage one another and build each other up. And there’s no better place to do this than in the loving community of fellow believers.

5) Practicing gratitude

If there’s one habit that can significantly impact your perspective on life, it’s practicing gratitude.

Living a Christ-centered life goes hand in hand with acknowledging God’s goodness in every circumstance. It’s about expressing thanks not just during the good times, but even more so during the challenging times.

Practicing gratitude isn’t about ignoring the hardships of life, but it’s about finding God’s grace amidst these trials. It’s about recognizing that every blessing comes from Him and giving thanks for His unending love and mercy.

So, make it a habit to practice gratitude daily. It could be as simple as jotting down three things you’re grateful for each day or saying a prayer of thanks every morning.

Remember, a grateful heart is a magnet for miracles. And when we focus on our blessings rather than our problems, we can better see God’s hand in our lives.

6) Forgiveness

Living a Christ-centered life requires a heart that is willing to forgive, just as Christ has forgiven us.

Forgiveness isn’t always easy. It can be painful, especially when the wounds run deep. And yet, it’s a crucial part of our spiritual growth and our journey towards living a Christ-centered life.

Forgiveness is not about condoning wrongdoings; it’s about freeing ourselves from the chains of bitterness and resentment. It’s about echoing the love and mercy that Christ showed us when He chose to forgive us despite our imperfections.

When we choose to forgive, we are choosing to reflect Christ’s love. We are choosing to let go of the hurt and bitterness, opening up space for healing and peace.

So, make it a practice to forgive. Not because it’s easy, but because it’s a testament of your faith and a reflection of Christ’s love in your life.

Remember, every act of forgiveness is a step closer to living a Christ-centered life. And though it might be challenging, know that in every act of forgiveness, there is freedom and healing.

7) Embracing humility

Humility is an attribute that doesn’t always come naturally, especially in a world that often equates success with power and influence. Yet, it’s a fundamental aspect of living a Christ-centered life.

I recall a time when I was consumed by my ambition. I was constantly striving for more – more success, more recognition, more control. But in my relentless pursuit, I realized I was moving away from the values and principles that mattered most.

It took a moment of reflection and introspection to realize that what I needed was not more power, but more humility. I needed to follow the example of Jesus, who despite being the Son of God, humbled Himself and became a servant.

Embracing humility means acknowledging that we don’t have all the answers and that we’re dependent on God’s grace. It’s about putting others before ourselves and recognizing the value in everyone.

So, adopt the habit of embracing humility. It’s not about downplaying our worth or achievements, but about acknowledging our dependence on God and respecting the value of others.

Remember, humility isn’t a sign of weakness; it’s a mark of strength and a testament to living a Christ-centered life.

8) Living in the present

Living a Christ-centered life involves being fully present in the here and now. It’s about cherishing each moment and seeing each day as a gift from God.

In our fast-paced world, it’s easy to get caught up in the worries of tomorrow or the regrets of yesterday. But when we do that, we miss out on the beauty of today.

Jesus said in Matthew 6:34, “Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.”

Living in the present means trusting God with our future and learning from our past without letting it define us. It’s about finding joy in the mundane and seeing God’s hand in our everyday life.

So, make it a habit to live in the present. Take time each day to be still, to appreciate the blessings around you, and to live each moment with purpose and gratitude.

Remember, a Christ-centered life is not just about preparing for the future; it’s about living fully and faithfully in the present.

9) Unconditional love

At the heart of a Christ-centered life is the practice of unconditional love. It’s about loving others without judgement or reservation, just as Christ loves us.

Unconditional love isn’t always easy, and it often requires us to step outside of our comfort zones. It asks us to love those who are difficult to love, and to extend grace when it’s least expected.

This kind of love isn’t based on feelings or conditions; it’s a choice. It’s choosing to love others not because of who they are or what they’ve done, but because of who Christ is and what He has done for us.

So, make it a habit to practice unconditional love. In your daily interactions, strive to emulate Christ’s love.

Remember, unconditional love is the essence of a Christ-centered life. It’s the most powerful way we can reflect the heart of Jesus in our world.

Final thoughts: It’s about transformation

The essence of living a Christ-centered life is deeply rooted in personal transformation.

This transformation isn’t just about adopting certain habits or following a set of rules. It’s about an internal change that reflects the love and grace of Jesus Christ.

One of the powerful quotes by C.S. Lewis states, “Christ wants more than an improved version of you. He wants you.”

These habits, whether it’s daily prayer, regular Bible study, serving others, regular fellowship, practicing gratitude, forgiveness, embracing humility, living in the present, or unconditional love – all point towards this transformation.

This transformation isn’t a one-time event but a continuous process. It’s a journey that refines us, shapes us, and aligns us more with the heart of Jesus.

Whether it’s being still in prayer, extending grace in forgiveness, or expressing love unconditionally, each habit is a step towards experiencing and reflecting the transformative power of Christ in our lives.

At the end of the day, living a Christ-centered life isn’t about striving for perfection. It’s about allowing Christ’s love to transform us from the inside out.