Living A Christ-Centered Life

We are born self-centered; the goal of the Christian life is to become Christ-centered. Early on, it seems so simple. In every situation, just put Christ first and ask yourself what would Jesus do. But looking at a Christ-centered life is a lot like watching professional sports. We watch Tiger Woods drive the green and think all you have to do is take a club and hit the ball. We see Peyton Manning lob a 50 yard bomb in for a touch down and think I could do that. But when we first pick up that golf club and swing for the fence, we stand there gazing into the sky, squinting to see our ball that has apparently broken the speed of light, because we can't see it. What a disappointment to finally look down and see the ball still on the tee, unintimidated by our ferocious efforts.

Or we go out to pass the football with our kids. On back we say. No, keep going. Then we rare back, setting our rocket arm, ready to impress the kids. Boom! We fire that ball looking for a perfect spiral. But what we see looks more like a drunk weeble wobble, than a rocket. 20 yards out it hits the ground, 30 yards short of the intended target. "I think the ball is only supposed to go end over end when you kick it, Dad," laughs your daughter. It is at that moment that we realize, this takes skill, practice, hard work, and dedication--so much for your NFL career.

So it is with the Christ-centered life, every moment that we seek to do something for the Lord, something keeps getting in the way--ourselves. To give over control of our lives to Christ is completely against our own sinful self-centered nature. It's hard to do. Trying to make Christ the center of our lives is like trying to train a pet pig not to root in the yard. It might not be impossible, but it is sure difficult to train an animal not to do something that is ingrained in its nature.

The other frustrating part of seeking to live a Christ centered life is once you think you are doing well, all of a sudden you recognize another area of your life that needs to be surrendered. It's like pealing an onion. You remove one layer, only to find another.

So what should you do if you truly desire to live a Christ-centered life. Here's some tips: 1. You can't transform yourself. Only God can truly change your life and enable you to be like Christ. So start by spending time in God's Word. Any scripture will do, it is all inspired and helpful. Just read and try to understand, God will do the rest. 2. Find some Christ-like friends who will speak to you honestly. Everyone needs a friend who is close enough to point out their mistakes. 3. Find a support group, a.k.a. a local church. Even the lone ranger had Tonto, and you and I need other believers who will strengthen and encourage us. 4. When you fall down, get up. Every believer sins, but we must learn to seek forgiveness and try again. 5. Finally, be patient. One day in heaven we will be completely transformed to the image of Christ, but for now we must be content to slowly forge ahead.