Living For Christ, In This Generation!
Living the Christ-centred life is what all believers in Jesus should aspire to, but it would seem often times that it's easier said than done. Especially living in this present generation where we are so distracted by the bright lights and technological wonders or so encumbered by every day living with work, school, family life and/or personal commitments. Or worse yet, where we are so enamoured by the prospects of fame, wealth and riches that we begin to lose focus on what truly matters as believers; which is Christ and Him crucified, living in His word and abiding in His Presence.
What is living the Christ-centred life all about? Essentially, it is the kind of life whereby one's way of life is all about Jesus being the foundation, centre and core of one's Christian living; like the song proclaims, "Jesus, you're the centre of my joy, all that's good and perfect comes from you. You're the heart of my contentment, the hope for all I do, Jesus, you're the centre of my joy!" In order for this to occur it simply takes determination, commitment, and focus.
DETERMINATION
The definition of determination is as follows: (the act of deciding definitely and firmly; also the result of such an act of decision.. a firm or fixed intention to achieve a desired end). In order to live a Christ-centred life, one must have a firm resolve in allowing Christ to be first place in one's life. Our fixed intention and desired end should be that we want to be like Him so that when people look at us, they see Christ living in us. For that to happen, we must live the way God want's us to live in this life. He's not only the Saviour of our life he's also our Lord, and as such, He must have full reign. We must be determined in our hearts and mind that we as believers will continue to submit our will and lives to Christ's Lordship, whatever the cost. The scripture declares in (Psalm 44: 17b-18), "All this has come upon us; but we have not forgotten You, nor have we dealt falsely with Your covenant. Our heart has not turned back, nor have our steps departed from Your way."
COMMITMENT
A general meaning behind the word commitment would be: (a willingness to give your time and energy to something that you believe in, or a promise or firm decision to do something, a promise to be loyal to someone or some cause). Jesus reminds us in His word in (Luke 9: 23-24), "If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me. For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will save it." In (Luke 9: 62) Jesus also declared, "No one, having put his hand to the plow, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God." In these 2 passages of scripture alone, they showcase the importance of being steadfast in our commitment before God. In the truest sense it's a vow we as believers have made before the Lord, when we repented of our sins and received His salvation ..we therefore become His disciples/followers and commit ourselves to His Lordship and leading. In doing so, we progress a believers and move forward in the things God wants us to accomplish for Him. This in turn creates a focus and desire that His will be done on earth and in our lives.
FOCUS
If one was to define the word "focus" in an everyday sense of the word, it would mean (the center of interest or activity, the main or central point of something, or to give special attention to one particular person or thing).To have focus is to have one's complete attention and/or mind finely tuned to a completion of a task, fuller understanding and/or resolution of thought. The scripture reminds us in (Colossians 3: 2-3), "Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth. For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God." In this time and generation, it is very difficult to stay focused on the things of God, His Word when things in this world have been set in motion to distract, trap or enslave the believer. However Jesus did say in His word in (John 14: 6), "Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me." When we continue to abide in Christ our focus, determination, and commitment remains complete and resolute because our hearts and minds is fixed to the the leading, guiding and abiding presence of Jesus through the power of the Holy Spirit.
