Living a Christ-centered life means making Jesus the focal point of everything we do. It involves seeking to follow His teachings, emulate His character, and glorify God through our thoughts, words, and actions. Here are some key aspects of what the Bible says a Christ-centered life should look like:
Putting God First
A foundational part of a Christ-centered life is loving God above all else. Jesus said the greatest commandment is to “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind” (Matthew 22:37). This means God should have first place in our affections and priorities. We demonstrate our love for God by spending time with Him in prayer and Scripture, actively participating in a local church, tithing, avoiding idolatry, and making choices that align with His will as revealed in the Bible.
Obeying God’s Word
A Christ-centered life seeks to obey the Bible’s commands and principles. Jesus said, “If you love me, keep my commands” (John 14:15). Obedience is how we express our love for Christ and grow in spiritual maturity. Key areas the Bible instructs us to obey include: repenting of sin, being baptized, living righteously, serving others, giving generously, sharing our faith, and making disciples.
Reflecting Christ’s Character
As we grow closer to Christ, we take on His character and nature. The Bible calls this the process of sanctification. Followers of Jesus are called to increasingly reflect Christlike virtues such as: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23). This involves the Holy Spirit transforming us from within as we submit to God.
Using Our Gifts to Serve
A Christ-centered life isn’t self-centered but rather seeks to serve others. 1 Peter 4:10 says, “Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.” God has blessed each believer with unique gifts and abilities to build up the church. We honor God when we use what He has given us to help others come to know Him.
Being Part of a Church Community
God did not design believers to follow Jesus alone. The Bible instructs Christians to be connected and committed to a local church (Hebrews 10:24-25). Being part of a church community helps us grow spiritually as we worship, study Scripture, pray, and fellowship alongside other believers. It also provides opportunities to use our gifts to fulfill Christ’s mission in the world.
Making Disciples
Before ascending to heaven, Jesus commissioned His followers to “go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you” (Matthew 28:19-20). Living on mission and leading others to become devoted Christ-followers should be part of every believer’s life. We have the privilege of continuing the work Jesus began.
Being a Witness for Christ
A Christ-centered life seeks to reflect Jesus to others. The Bible instructs us, “But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have” (1 Peter 3:15). As Christ’s witnesses, we are called to live in such a way that points people to Jesus. This includes being salt and light, loving others boldly, and sharing the gospel as the Holy Spirit leads.
Pursuing Holiness
God calls every believer to pursue holiness out of reverence for Him. 1 Peter 1:15-16 says, “But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: ‘Be holy, because I am holy.’” While we believe in salvation by grace, we must also strive to avoid sinful habits and have minds set on what is pure, lovely and admirable (Philippians 4:8). Holiness means fleeing from sexual immorality, greed, idolatry, slander, drunkenness and more.
Persevering Through Suffering
Living a Christ-centered life does not mean being exempt from suffering. Jesus said, “In this world you will have trouble” (John 16:33). Scripture promises that God will use hardships to develop our character. As we cling to Christ through difficulties, we can rest knowing nothing can separate us from God’s love (Romans 8:38-39). We persevere by trusting in God’s purposes, relying on His strength, prayerfully giving thanks, and keeping an eternal perspective.
Giving Generously
Christ-centered living avoids materialism and greed. The Bible instructs us to be generous with our time, talents and treasures. “Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver” (2 Corinthians 9:7). As we give freely out of love for God and others, we reflect Christ’s gracious generosity and trust Him to provide for our needs.
Practicing Humility
Although believers are dearly loved children of God, Christ-centered living avoids pride and self-righteousness. Philippians 2:3 instructs, “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves.” Jesus modeled perfect humility by washing His disciples feet. As we humbly serve others, we grow closer to the heart of Christ and fulfill His command to love one another.
Being Obedient Citizens
The Bible encourages Christ followers to be model citizens who obey governing authorities wherever possible. 1 Peter 2:13-17 states, “Submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every human authority. For the Lord’s sake, respect all human authority.” However, as Acts 5:29 explains, “We must obey God rather than human beings” when authorities conflict with God’s commands. A Christ-centered life seeks to live at peace with others and honor God in all we do.
Living With Eternity in Mind
A Christ-centered life keeps an eternal perspective. Paul says, “We fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal” (2 Corinthians 4:18). This world is not our home. We live each day as pilgrims longing for our eternal home in heaven. Keeping eternity at the forefront helps us live wisely and invest in heavenly riches that will last forever.
Being a Peacemaker
As followers of the Prince of Peace, Christians are called to promote peace and reconciliation. “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God” (Matthew 5:9). Romans 12:18 says, “If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.” We live out Christ’s message of grace and forgiveness, rather than hatred and division. Our lives point others to the hope and healing only Jesus provides.
Dying to Self
At the core of a Christ-centered life is dying to self. Jesus said, “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me” (Luke 9:23). Saying no to sinful desires, fleshly cravings, and cultural values in order to say yes to God’s will is crucial. As we daily surrender our lives to Christ, we grow more into His image and experience the abundant life He promises.
Living Empowered by the Spirit
Seeking to follow Jesus in our own strength is exhausting and ineffective. But the Spirit empowers believers to live godly lives. “If we live by the Spirit, let us also keep in step with the Spirit” (Galatians 5:25). As we submit to God, study Scripture, obey His commands, and pray continually, the Holy Spirit transforms us from within. Relying on the Spirit allows us to produce lasting fruit for God’s kingdom.
Cultivating Spiritual Disciplines
Certain spiritual practices help strengthen our faith so we can live Christ-centered lives. “Exercise yourself toward godliness” (1 Timothy 4:7 NKJV). This includes habits like daily Bible reading, Scripture memory, fasting, worship, stewardship, observing the Sabbath, solitude and more. These disciplines position our hearts to hear God’s voice and deepen our devotion to Him over cultural values that compete for our attention.
Investing in Community
The Christian life is not one of isolation but rather thriving in fellowship with other believers. “And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another” (Hebrews 10:24-25). We grow closer to Christ as we do life alongside other Christians who can support, encourage and challenge us in our walk with God.
Extending Grace to Others
Christ followers are called to lavish the grace we’ve received from God onto others. Ephesians 4:32 states, “Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” This includes being quick to forgive, not keeping accounts of wrongs, overlooking minor offenses and showing mercy. By extending grace, we reflect Christ’s redemptive love to a broken world.
Having a Servant’s Heart
Although He was Lord of all, Jesus modeled servanthood by washing His disciples’ feet. Philippians 2:5-8 explains how Christ “made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant.” A Christ-centered life is marked by sacrificial service, esteeming others above self and willingly meeting needs with compassion. We emulate Jesus’ servant heart as we give generously and serve humbly in roles both great and small.
Embracing Suffering as Discipline
Living a godly life does not exempt us from difficulties. Yet Scripture promises, “God disciplines us for our good, in order that we may share in his holiness” (Hebrews 12:10). While painful, affliction sensitizes us to sin, reveals where we are depending on our own strength, and conforms us to be more like Christ. Embracing trials as God’s loving discipline allows us to mature and points us to eternal hope.
Dying to Self Daily
“Then he said to them all: ‘Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me.'” (Luke 9:23). The call to surrender our will, plans, desires and very lives to Christ’s lordship is not a one-time choice but a daily process. Repeatedly laying down our agendas to obey and follow Jesus, even when difficult, demonstrates He truly is Master of our lives and molds us into His image.
Walking in Wisdom
Christ-centered living applies biblical truths to daily choices and aligns our actions with God’s values. “Walk in wisdom toward outsiders, making the best use of the time. Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person.” (Colossians 4:5-6). Seeking discernment through prayer and Scripture allows us to navigate challenges wisely rather than relying on worldly thinking.
Being Heavenly Minded
Keeping an eternal perspective guards our hearts from worldly values and consumes our thoughts with God’s kingdom. “Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth.” (Colossians 3:2). With our citizenship in heaven, we can live each day on earth oriented toward eternal rewards rather than temporary gratification. Fixating on Christ and our future hope sustains us to walk faithfully with God.
Rejoicing Always
Despite circumstances, Christians have endless reasons for joy in Christ. His salvation, peace, presence and coming return cause us to “Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice.” (Philippians 4:4). With the Holy Spirit’s filling, we can maintain God’s perspective on difficulties and praise Him amid pain. Our steadfast rejoicing testifies to the unshakable hope we have in Jesus.
Shining Our Light
As Christ shines through us, our lives point others to Him. “Let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.” (Matthew 5:16). Avoiding hypocrisy, we live transparently, speak truthfully, keep our promises and honor God in public and private. Our integrity and love reflect the light of Christ to those living in darkness.
In summary, a Christ-centered life seeks in all things to love Jesus wholeheartedly, follow His example closely, obey His Word completely, rely on His power daily, glorify God fully, and help others know Him intimately. It’s a lifelong journey of growing in grace, maturing in godliness, and running the race with endurance until that day we see Jesus face-to-face.