There are three words I try to remember as I walk through this world day by day. Three principles which I want to inform my decisions and attitudes throughout each day.

Live

Above all, you must live as citizens of heaven, conducting yourselves in a manner worthy of the Good News about Christ. Then, whether I come and see you again or only hear about you, I will know that you are standing together with one spirit and one purpose, fighting together for the faith, which is the Good News. Don’t be intimidated in any way by your enemies. This will be a sign to them that they are going to be destroyed, but that you are going to be saved, even by God himself.
—Philippians 1:27-28 (NLT)

Sometimes it can be easy to forget that we are not merely citizens of the United States of America or the earth but that we as Christians are citizens of heaven. This reality should be reflected in our daily lives to the point that anyone could pick us out as a Christian by our words and deeds. We are supposed to be different from the rest of the world, responding and making choices that reflect Jesus Christ. Not always easy, but something we are meant to aspire to at the very least and as we are empowered by the Holy Spirit.

Love

Jesus replied, “‘You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. A second is equally important: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.'" —Matthew 22:37-39 (NLT)

We all know that it's easy to love those people around us who are kind, have similar views or lifestyles, or look like we do. The challenge comes when we love those who are unlovely, respond to anger with peace, and give generously when asked, even if unfairly or when we have very little. It's allowing a wrong or hurt to be bathed in forgiveness and grace when the natural response is bitterness or revenge. Yet love is how we are meant to be identified by the rest of the world as followers of Christ.

Learn

All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. —2 Timothy 3:16 (NLT)

The Bible. God's revealed word to us. How fortunate we are to have this collection of ancient documents, translated into our modern language, to study and make a part of our daily walk. We don't have to simply believe what we are told by ministers or teachers, but can investigate the scriptures for ourselves and verify what we are being taught. In fact, the Bible itself encourages us not to believe blindly but "to study and show ourselves approved." We American Christians honestly don't know how lucky we are to have these inspired words so readily available to us.

Live. Love. Learn. Three words which break down what it means for me to be a Christian. I guess you could say it's my personal motto. So what's yours? Is there something which encapsulates your understanding of life as a Christian? If not ... perhaps now is a good time to create one, or at least think about what being a follower of Christ means to you.

Copyright © by Kristine McGuire Share