“Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.” Matt 5:5 (NIV)
Christ-centered living involves being bridled. Meekness is not weakness; it is power under control. You have the capacity to live a sinful lifestyle that will bring disrepute to Christianity and disdain to the character of Christ. The world, Satan, and your flesh have agendas to disintegrate your Christian witness. You have everything you need to embrace a sinful lifestyle unbridled. You can choose to walk in the flesh right now and commit the most heinous of sinful acts.
However, the Christ-centered life is one of decisive restraint. The Christ-centered life is submitting to the full control of Christ in your life. It is consciously choosing to give Jesus the reigns to your life. Instead of trying to live the Christian life in your own strength, you allow Jesus to live His life in you and through you. Your fleshly desires and carnal propensities are brought under the rule and reign of Christ.
- “I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.” Gal 2:20 (NIV)
- “So I say, live by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the sinful nature.” Gal 5:16 (NIV)
- “But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander.” 1 Peter 3:15-16 (NIV)
Be gentle in how you treat others. Surrender to the Spirit’s control in your life. Center your life on Christ.
Pursuing God,
Stephen Trammell
Pastor of Leadership and Pastoral Care