Paths to Christian Living: Part Five
Over the past few weeks, we’ve been exploring a series titled “Paths to Christian Living,” and today we’re diving into part five—likely the final installment. While we’ll begin new topics in the coming days, our year-long theme will still focus on living the Christian life. In this session, we’ll briefly reflect on a few key passages: Psalm 37, James 4, and Galatians 2:20.
The Core Message: Pursuing God’s Desires
Throughout this series, we’ve been centered around one core idea: true fulfillment comes from a deliberate pursuit of God’s desires. To experience real meaning in life, we must intentionally align our lives with what God wants for us—not sporadically, but consistently, as a way of life.
As Christians, we are not sovereign over our own lives; God is. The world may say, “do what feels right,” but Scripture directs us to do what God says is right. This doesn’t mean we’re robots without free will. God gives us freedom, but He also calls us to live with awareness—of our salvation, of His gifts, and, above all, the gift of eternal life through Jesus Christ.
Living in Response to Salvation
If we truly appreciate what God has done, we will care deeply about what He wants us to do. Being saved doesn’t give us a license to live however we wish. On the contrary, it brings with it a responsibility: to live in a way that pleases and glorifies God. When we align our lives with His Word, we experience not only His desires but also His blessings—not always materially, but in the richness of His joy and approval.
This is a profound truth to reflect on: If God’s pleasure in us doesn’t matter, then what ultimately does? We often tie God’s blessings to material gain, but what if He chooses not to bless us in that way? He’s already given us the greatest gift—eternal life. Psalm 37 calls us to fix our hearts on the Lord, not on the temporary things of this world.
Pursuing God with Passion
True fulfillment requires a deliberate and passionate pursuit of God’s will. We naturally pursue what we deeply desire. If it’s money, we chase it. If it’s love, we pursue the person with relentless energy. Why then don’t we pursue God’s desires with the same level of commitment?
We often prioritize our own agendas and tell God, “I’ll follow You, but first let me take care of myself.” We seek His kingdom only when it’s convenient. This misalignment is why many believers remain spiritually stagnant. Jesus calls us to seek first the kingdom, promising that all things will be added, but instead we build our own plans and hope He approves them.
Devotion in Practice
When we set our minds on something—whether it’s a career, a degree, or a relationship—we pour ourselves into it. I remember how I once ignored school, but once God shifted my mindset, I went all in. I completed my PhD faster than expected because I had a purpose. Yet, many of us don’t bring that same energy to God’s work. Why? Because deep down, we don’t care as much as we should. We love to receive from God, but giving back? That’s rare.
Submission and Identity in Christ
Desiring God’s desires means submitting to His authority and embracing our identity in Christ. Christian living is about more than belief—it requires action. We don’t just say Jesus is the resurrection and the life; we live in obedience to Him. This is how the world sees Him—not merely through our words, but through our lives.
Reflections from Scripture
Psalm 37: Trusting and Delighting in the Lord
Psalm 37:4-5 instructs us to delight ourselves in the Lord, trust Him, and commit our ways to Him. Delight isn’t coerced—it’s a willful act driven by love. As a child, I prayed and went to church out of obligation. But after God saved me, I desired to serve Him, to read His Word, to walk in His truth. That was the work of the Holy Spirit within me.
Psalm 37 also reminds us not to be envious when the wicked succeed. Their prosperity is temporary. We must stay focused on Christ and trust in His justice, timing, and righteousness.
James 4: Submitting and Resisting
James 4 calls us to resist the devil, submit to God, and draw near to Him. When we live according to God’s Word, our lives become a light others can see. That’s how we let our light shine—not by hiding behind busyness, but by walking closely with Christ.
Galatians 2:20: Christ Living in Us
Galatians 2:20 is clear: we no longer live for ourselves. Our lives belong to Christ, and He lives in us. That truth should transform every aspect of our daily walk. But transformation requires willingness. We don’t just “give” God time—we make time for Him. The things we value, we prioritize. If we truly value God, we will pursue Him daily.
Faith That Moves Beyond the Surface
Christian living demands more than surface-level faith. It’s both belief and action—trusting God fully, obeying Him joyfully, and allowing Christ to live through us. Many claim to follow God, but few truly obey. Following isn’t enough. Remember: Israel followed God out of Egypt but still disobeyed. Only a faithful few entered the Promised Land.
We must not confuse motion for devotion. Going through spiritual routines isn’t the same as being spiritually committed. Ask yourself:
- Am I obeying God?
- Am I living out His Word, day by day?
Yes, we will stumble—but the Holy Spirit lifts us and urges us forward. We are called to be deeply rooted in Christ, so that no hardship, temptation, or distraction can move us from our foundation.
Real Trust Requires Surrender
Trusting God is not a partial act—it requires all of us. It means rejecting our own understanding and relying fully on His wisdom and Word. When we drift from God, we often face spiritual struggles, unanswered prayers, and distance from the Lord. But even those struggles can be gifts—wake-up calls, reminders to realign our hearts.
Don’t ignore those divine nudges. Instead, lean in. Evaluate your heart. Ask yourself: “Am I aligned with the Lord, or have I wandered?”
Conclusion: Let Your Light Shine
Christian living is not about going through the motions. It’s about sincere integrity before God—where our beliefs become actions, and our hearts reflect Christ. Let your light shine not just for your own sake, but so others may see the truth and come to know God through you.
Let your trust be real, your obedience active, and your joy in the Lord genuine. That’s what the path to Christian living is all about.