Welcome to Day Three of Finding F.O.C.U.S. The first day we talked about F = Finding Peace and yesterday we talked about O = Observing Our Habits. Today we are talking about living a Christ Centered Life.
As a reminder, this is what I have F.O.C.U.S. mean:
F = Finding Peace
O = Observing Our Habits
C = Christ Centered Life
U = Understanding God’s Role in Our Life
S = Simplify Our Lives
Over five days, there will be a post for each letter.
Day 3
C = Christ centered life: Philippians 1:20-21 (NIV) is states, “I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have sufficient courage so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death. For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.” As the Apostle Paul was writing this, he’s sitting in a jail cell being persecuted for living a life centered on Christ and speaking out for God. Here was someone living in horrible conditions, conditions which would probably cause me nightmares if I dwell on it or research Roman prisons, but this man kept praising God and worshiping His provision, when he could have been throwing himself an epic and probably justified pity party for being wrongly incarcerated.
Instead, he kept his focus on Christ and was able to lead people, including the prison guards to creating a connection with God. This didn’t mean his life was easy, actually it was the opposite, but he was filled with joy, peace and love for those around him. He allowed Christ to shine through his attitude and actions.
When I start to lose my temper, especially in situations outside of my control, I want to ask myself, do my attitude and actions reflect a Christ centered life? In most instances, I regretfully have to say no, but I want to do better and God extends me the grace I need to work on it. Part of the way I do this is to stop and realize nothing is going to be perfect and I only need to be present in this situation.
How do you live a Christ centered life? Share it in the comments below to encourage others.
Tomorrow, we tackle the letter U = Understanding God’s Role in Our Lives. Sign up for the email list, so you don’t miss a single letter this week.