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When I was asked on August 16th to write a blog of about 800 words on Christian Living, I happily accepted and thought it would be simple enough.  As God has a way of doing to many of us, He has sent me on quite a thought-provoking journey with this assignment.  What I have discovered is that under the term and meaning of what it is to "live as a Christian," there are so many fragmenting facets.  To be honest, my first inclination was to write about something that has been annoying me lately—these slogans I see strewn about the world on t-shirts, wall décor, coffee mugs, etc.  I see people proudly displaying what is so opposite to what the Bible says and what "Christian Living" is about (i.e., "Do what makes you happy" and "Just Believe" in what?).  However, when I began typing and felt good about myself that I was going to have this blog completed well before deadline, God had other plans for me that would involve more thought and contemplation.   

I often go for hikes in the woods at a park near my home, and the Lord has spoken to me there through nature about His amazing ability to make beautiful works of our lives if we allow Him to care for and nurture us.  I sat down once again, to no avail, to begin encouraging others to look for God in nature while we go about our "Christian Living" (Luke 12:24-34).  

My mother was raised Catholic but has never formerly practiced any form of Christianity.  I have never been shy about sharing my faith and weaving God into the conversation whenever I can.  My family and I have asked her to come to church with us on multiple occasions which she has only accepted if my children had a performance.   She suffers from depression and this last year has had health struggles that doctors can't explain.  I have prayed for her for years and on a trip home from the emergency room explained that I would have no regrets about our relationship, should something happen to either one of us, aside from not knowing if I would see her again in heaven.  I have explained how God could heal her from her anxiety and health problems brought on by depression (Proverbs 17:22, Deuteronomy 7:15, 2 Chronicles 7:14, Psalm 34:20), her depression as a whole, her bitterness towards others, and would bring about a life abundantly full (John 10:10) and with a peace that surpasses all understanding (Philippians 4:6-7).  I have asked her to accept Christ as her personal Lord and Savior, quoted scripture, bought the Bible, prayed for her, done all I've known to do and have been met with “dug-in heels,” much to my dismay.  I thought, "Surely this is what I am to write about, Lord.  How in our "Christian Living" we are to lead others to you, even when met with reluctance.”  Instead, God played the song "Even If" by Mercy Me on the radio and assured me His ways are not my ways or His thoughts my thoughts. (Isaiah 55:9)  

I always listened to Christian music, whether at home or in my car, as it keeps me focused on the Lord, keeps my attitude in check (especially while driving), and helps me to extend and display grace to my family and fellow man on the road.  So, I thought, “Well simple enough Lord.  Should I write about our need to be careful with what we listen to and avoid secular music altogether?”  That is when I heard a song I had never heard before.  "This is My Offering" by Third Day and it became so very, very clear what I was to write about.  Yes "Christian Living" does have sub categories that I hope I have the opportunity to write on in the future.  However, what "Christian Living" at its core truly hinges on is an individual humbling of one's self (1 Peter 5:6-8) and choosing (as the Bible states) to deny self, pick up our cross, and lay down our life on an altar as an offering to our Father, Creator, Redeemer, and Savior because He chose to sacrifice His life for ours (John 15:13).  The writer of the song states perfect truth when he writes "the only thing that I can give you is the life you gave to me."  When you think about that, it is so simple, clear and true.  Our God doesn't need our money (Hebrews 13:5-6), good works or intentions, but He does desire a heart that is willing to devote our very life, being, and soul to Him.  Only then can we truly accomplish "Christian Living" and bring all due glory, honor and praise to Him.  He is the one who gives us the ability to "live as a Christian" in the first place (1 Corinthians 2:4-5, Colossians 1:29). 

I don't know why, but I had to chuckle and marvel as I was blown away yet again by my amazing Father and Savior as He patiently, lovingly, and kindly guided me along the way to the conclusion I should have come to immediately when tasked with writing what it means to be involved in "Christian Living."  God always lays His foundations perfectly and that is what He did yet again for me, on time, and accomplished for me a deeper understanding, knowledge and trust in Him along the way.  I pray reading this blesses you the same way.