This world is crazy sometimes, especially lately. With all the unknowns, different medical and political views, and different ideas about what’s being handled right or wrong, it’s hard to know what to think… or who to believe. There is so much conflicting information. However, should we really focus on these things? How does God want us to live? That’s what we should be concerned about. The Bible has a lot to say about how we should live our lives.
Yes, these are crazy times, but if you’ve been a Christian for a while, didn’t you know that we’ve been training for this since the beginning? Throughout the Bible there are verse after verse about loving those around us, about living in unity, and about loving God. Jesus Himself said that the entire law depends on loving God and loving others. You’ve probably heard a million sermons on this subject. Let’s focus on how God wants us to live.
How should we live our lives according to the Bible?
So, how should Christians live? Let’s look at a brief history of Christianity and then move on to some specific Bible passages that have a lot to say about how Christians should live. I’m not going to cover everything the Bible says on this subject, but hopefully it will be enough to inspire you to focus more on how God wants us to live, rather than on which culture tells us what to focus on.
Quick history
Let’s make a quick summary. Jesus took our sins upon Himself when He died on the cross. Three days later He rose again. Our God has conquered sin and death! Jesus told Peter in Matthew 16:18 that He would build His Church (big C, not small c), and that the gates of hell would not prevail against it.
Then, before He returned to heaven, He told His disciples to go make disciples of ALL nations…and taught them what they had learned from Jesus. He promised that He would send the Holy Spirit to help them. The disciples obeyed and began to spread the Gospel. Paul is one of those disciples who brought the Gospel of Jesus to many cities and even countries. His focus was on telling people about Jesus wherever he went. He lost friends, suffered shipwreck, and was even beaten, stoned, and imprisoned. In Philippians 1, Paul tells us that the most important thing is that Christ is preached.
So how is the Gospel preached if we focus solely on whether our American rights are in danger? How is Christ preached when we debate whether or not we should wear masks or who would be the best next president? How are you? Love of Jesus shown when we are focused on what we can and cannot do? Do some of these topics need to be discussed and steps taken to address them? Of course! However, when these things start to affect relationships, turn our attention outward instead of upward, and affect how we live, then we have gone in the wrong direction.
Bible verses about how to live
As I mentioned above, the Bible has much to say about how to live a godly life and what behavior to model in a Christian. Rather than just looking at specific verses, I want to point out several entire chapters of the Bible that talk about how God wants us to live. Be sure to take the time to read the chapters if you can.
Romans 12
- Love really
- Abandon evil and hold fast to good
- Love each other
- Outdo each other in showing honor
- Serve fervently and with zeal
- Rejoice in hope
- Patience in tribulation
- Pray constantly
- Contribute to the needs of others
- Show hospitality
- Bless those who are against you
- Live in harmony with each other
- Don’t be proud
- Do what is honorable
- Overcome evil with good
“Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor.” Romans 12:10 NIV
Ephesians 4
- Walk in a manner worthy of your calling
- Be modest
- Be gentle
- Show patience
- Bear with each other Love
- Maintain unity
- Build others up
- Speak the truth LOVE
- Put on your new life in Christ
- Put away bitterness and anger
- Be kind to each other
- Forgive as God forgave you
“Put off your old self, which belongs to your former way of life and is corrupted by deceitful desires, and to be renewed in the spirit of your mind, and to put on the new self, created in the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness.” Ephesians 4:22-24
As mothers, unless we prioritize our relationship with God, it can easily fall by the wayside. Learn more about grow closer to God. As we grow closer to Him, we also become better wives and mothers.
Colossians 3
- Set your thoughts on heavenly things, not on earthly things
- Put away sin
- Be compassionate
- Show kindness
- Be humble and gentle
- Show patience
- Bear with each other
- Forgive each other as the Lord has forgiven you
- Above all: attract LOVE
- Let the peace of Christ rule your heart
- Be grateful
- Do everything in the name of Jesus
“Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, a compassionate heart, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience, bearing with each other and, if one has a complaint against the other, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. And above all, these bring the love that connects everything in perfect harmony.” Colossians 3:12-14
2 Timothy 2
- Stay focused on God’s agenda
- God’s word is not bound!
- Don’t be argumentative
- Pursue righteousness, faith and peace
- Pursue LOVE
- Be kind to everyone
- Bear evil patiently
- Correct with gentleness
“Therefore, flee from youthful passions and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, together with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart. Have nothing to do with foolish, ignorant controversies; you know they cause a fight. And the servant of the Lord should not be quarrelsome, but kind to all, able to teach, patiently enduring evil, correcting his opponents with gentleness. God may grant them repentance leading to a knowledge of the truth, and they may come to their senses and escape the snare of the devil after having been taken captive by him to do his will.” 2 Timothy 2:22-26
How should Christians live?
Looking back at the lists above, what should we focus on? How do we live a godly life? If someone else does not respond in a loving way, forgive them and love them anyway. Study the “one
The possibilities are endless if we just take the time to see what Jesus sees. Share encouraging verses, tell your neighbor or family member how God has helped you during a difficult time. Keep an eternal perspective and try not to get so distracted by earthly things. Philippians 3:20 reminds us that our citizenship is in heaven. This world is only temporary. Spend time in prayer and pursue righteousness.
Focus on how God wants us to live. Let us be an instrument in His hand and not a distraction. Focus on sharing the love of Jesus and living in a way that honors Him.
What helps you maintain your focus how God wants us to live? Comment below for help and encouragement.
You might also like it
7 Tips to Focus More on God in Your Day
15 Ways to Serve Others as a Family
