Our Defining Center

by Ty Andor

But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ. (Ephesians 2:13)

As a people called out of the kingdom of the world into the kingdom of God in Jesus Christ, all that we are and do is to revolve around this as the defining characteristic of our existence: we are brought into the life of God by the blood of Christ, and so are called to live according to his will and purpose.

But building your life on the foundation of Jesus Christ does not necessarily come naturally. There is no reliable 12-step program for ensuring God is the defining center, the source and goal of your life; and most of the time it happens in rather subtle ways that we begin to neglect things like studying scripture, regular prayer, attending worship, etc. The rootedness of our lives in the Word and presence of God is pushed to the periphery, while more mundane concerns and tasks and interests overtake the center stage.

We shouldn’t expect such a revolution into the newness of life to be easy or overnight kind of change, wherever we feel we are with respect to God. And to be sure we are still in the fight, we need to ask ourselves the hard, self-reflective questions. To what extent are we truly converted into the newness of life? Is our faith a peripheral idea in the consciousness, or does it actually form the habitual center of our personal energy? Have we learned to recognize God at work in our daily lives and callings, as the one who has given to us all we are and have; who has put us in relationship with our families and friends, and given us daily work in which to help shape the world for the good? Have we learned where to look for strength and guidance in all things relative to this age and the next; to immerse ourselves in the bread from heaven of the Holy Scriptures, to express our needs and desires to God in prayer, whatever the time or place, and expect the abundance of his grace? Are we disciplined enough in our hearts to crave that which does not pass away, get consumed by moth and rust, and degrade this earthly life; but builds up our lives and the lives of others into the spiritual house that is the church of God? 

God means to be all of these things for you, as he wills to work every good thing for your benefit, that you may walk in the newness of life bestowed upon you in Christ, and the same strength that has overcome sin and death, the powers of the world  and the grave.

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his power. Put on the whole armor of God, so that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For our struggle is not against enemies of blood and flesh, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers of this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, so that you may be able to withstand on that evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm. Stand therefore, and fasten the belt of truth around your waist, and put on the breastplate of righteousness. As shoes for your feet put on whatever will make you ready to proclaim the gospel of peace. With all of these, take the shield of faith, with which you will be able to quench all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. Pray in the Spirit at all times in every prayer and supplication. To that end keep alert and always persevere in supplication for all the saints. (Ephesians 6:10-18)

God bless you and keep you, in Christ.