Life as a Christian

How Does One Live a Christian Lifestyle

When we hear the word “Christian” we automatically think of a person who believes in our Father and his Son Yeshua/Jesus Christ. We think of someone who may go to church on Sundays and someone who celebrates such holidays as Easter, Thanksgiving and Christmas. However, being a Christian does not just entail going to church on Saturday or Sunday; celebrating the holidays, singing in the church choir; serving on the usher board, deacon board, worship committee, or all the other boards and committees in the church. It is a daily walk with our Father and Messiah. It is developing and having a relationship with our Father and his Son.  It is taking up the cross daily, and loving those things which you once hated, and hating those things which you once loved.

Luke 14:26 states, “If any man come to me, and hate not his father, and mother, and wife, and children, and brethren, and sisters, yea, and his own life also, he cannot be my disciple.” This verse does not mean, hate as in wrath or anger, but hate the lifestyle and lusts of their flesh. For example, if your father spends a lot of time drinking liquor or going to exotic bars you would hate his lifestyle, but you would still love him.

If your daughter degrades the poor and needy, you would hate her attitude towards them; however, you would still love her. For a faithful Christian hates the lifestyles of those who are not actively seeking, striving, and walking in the Light. Romans 8:13 states, “For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live.” A Christian’s lifestyle should never cease striving to walk in the Spirit, and not give into the desires of the flesh.

A Christian lifestyle means leaving the cares and lusts of this world behind, and walking in a new Light with our Father. A Christian lifestyle involves spiritual growth and maturity in faith; it involves seeking our Father and his kingdom, rather than focusing on finding Him, for our Father is certainly not lost. We must seek Him in order to hear from our Comforter daily. It involves having a relationship with our Father, rather than just saying, “I believe in the Father and his Son.” For example, a person cannot honestly and accurately state, “I believe John or Jane is my friend,” when they don’t have a relationship with them, or spend time with them, or know their likes and dislikes. Only knowing of the existence of John or Jane does not constitute a relationship or friendship.

The faithful Christian is known by their fruit, not how many homes, cars, or degrees they have, or where they live; rather how their spirit displays meekness, peace, love, understanding, and joy, in the Word. The Christian loves telling others about his or her Father and the Messiah Yeshua/Jesus Christ. For they are not ashamed to spread the gospel, learn the gospel, or read the gospel; whether it be to friend, family, or those in passing.  

The lifestyle of the Christian has a balanced lifestyle in mind, body, and spirit. It is important to be balanced on all levels emotionally, physically, mentally, and spiritually. For without balance the lifestyle would be shaky. I think when most faithful Christians seek this Way, often wonder why they didn’t seek this Way before. For the lifestyle has longer, peaceful days; a happier heart; a healthier outlook on life; less stress fewer worries; and all needs met from our Father.  

A Christian lifestyle involves keeping the commandments and laws of our Father, those laws and commandments that He has set forth for all generations to keep. It involves repenting and restraining from those things which are not acceptable in His eyes. It is walking in obedience, so that we may be able to stand before the Son of Man without blemish. It is forgiving as well as praying for all guidance, a righteous path, and a pure heart. The faithful Christian is always watching and patiently waiting for the return of our Messiah.

For the faithful Christian understands that his return can happen at any time or day; thus also acknowledging that our return to Him can happen at any time or day as well. Subsequently, as we are waiting for His return; however, our time on this earth may cease at any time or day, at the blink of an eye. The lifestyle of a faithful Christian certainly would not want to die in sin, but always ready for that moment in time.

The lifestyle of a faithful Christian can be a very lonely Way, for narrow is the gate to righteousness and wide is the gate to destruction.  Many of our family, friends and acquaintances are choosing and/or have chosen the wider gate involving the many, many cares and lusts of this world. For everything that is in the world will soon turn to dust, but the faithful in the Word will shortly have their reward in the everlasting kingdom filled with milk and honey. For all that is in this world and of this world will pass away, but our Father’s Word is everlasting.

Matthew 7:13,14 “Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.” And although the faithful Christian’s lifestyle may be lonely at times, we are never alone. For our Father, the Son, with the Holy Spirit as our Comforter is with us always, keeping us as the apple of his eye, with restful nights, and peaceful days.

(Sayings 1:4), “Jesus said, "Unless you become like little children, you cannot know the meaning of Life, for your minds must be cleared of the falsehoods of this realm if you are to be taught Eternal Truth." Matthew 18:3, “…Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven.” Our Messiah wants all to become as children, getting the debris out of our minds and focusing on his love, teachings, and salvation. And this is what a Christian lifestyle should entail, not just one or two days out of the week, but everyday, throughout the day. For a faithful Christian should be able to rejoice with all surety in knowing that their name is written in the book of life.

May the Lord bless you and keep you.