The Christian life: walking with Christ every day
Being a Christian is not simply belonging to a religion, attending church from time to time or identifying with a cultural tradition. The Christian life is, above all, a living relationship with Jesus Christ that transforms every area of existence: thoughts, emotions, decisions, relationships, work, the use of money and the way we face suffering. Jesus did not invite people to admire him from a distance, but to follow him: “If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me” (Luke 9:23).
In this article we go through the pillars of the Christian life and offer practical guidance for those beginning in the faith and for those who wish to renew their walk with God.
“I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.”
Galatians 2:20
A new beginning: being born again
The Christian life begins with an encounter. Jesus told Nicodemus, a respected religious teacher, that he had to be born again to see the kingdom of God (John 3:3). This new birth is not a moral improvement produced by our effort, but a work of the Holy Spirit who gives us new life when we repent and believe in Jesus Christ.
To repent means to change direction: to recognise that we have lived far from God and to return to him. To believe means to trust fully in Jesus as Saviour and Lord. From that moment we are children of God, forgiven and reconciled. Paul puts it this way: “if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new” (2 Corinthians 5:17). This new beginning is the foundation on which everything else is built.
Disciples, not just believers
The word disciple means learner. A disciple walks with his teacher, listens to his teaching, imitates his example and obeys his instructions. Jesus sent his followers to make disciples, not merely converts. This means that the Christian life is a process of continual growth.
No Christian reaches maturity overnight. There are stages, struggles, advances and setbacks. What matters is the direction: to keep looking to Jesus, learning from him and letting his character be formed in us. Patience with ourselves and with others is part of discipleship.
The habits that nourish faith
The Word of God
Just as the body needs daily food, the spirit needs the Word of God. Jesus said: “Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God” (Matthew 4:4). Set up a Bible reading plan, even a short one. Read attentively, underline, take notes and, above all, ask how to apply what you have read. The Bible was given not only to inform but to transform.
Prayer
Prayer is the ongoing conversation with God. Besides set-apart times, we can cultivate an attitude of prayer throughout the day: giving thanks in the middle of work, asking for wisdom before a meeting, interceding for someone who comes to mind. Paul urges: “Pray without ceasing” (1 Thessalonians 5:17). To go deeper, see our advice on prayer.
Community
The Christian life is not lived alone. From the beginning, believers “continued stedfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers” (Acts 2:42). The local church is the spiritual family where we receive teaching, support, correction and opportunities to serve. No church is perfect, because it is made up of imperfect people, but it is the place God chose to form us together.
Worship
To worship is to acknowledge God’s greatness and respond with gratitude and surrender. Worship includes songs and liturgy, but goes far beyond them: Paul asks us to present our bodies “a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God” (Romans 12:1). All of life can be worship when it is lived for God’s glory.
Holiness in everyday life
Holiness is not limited to the church building; it shows itself at home, at the office, on social media and in the street. A Christian seeks to be honest in business, faithful in commitments, pure in thought and respectful in speech. Paul encourages: “whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him” (Colossians 3:17).
Holiness is not perfectionism. It is a path on which the Holy Spirit gradually transforms us. When we fall, we get up, confess and keep going. God’s grace is not permission to sin, but power to live differently.
Work as service to God
Many Christians think they serve God only when they take part in church activities. But the Bible teaches that daily work is also a form of service: “whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men” (Colossians 3:23). The teacher who teaches patiently, the nurse who cares compassionately, the merchant who deals fairly and the student who works hard all honour God with their labour.
Work done well is a testimony. Integrity, punctuality, respectful treatment and refusal to take part in corruption show others the character of Christ.
Money and generosity
Jesus spoke a great deal about money, because he knew it can become an idol that competes with God for our heart. “Ye cannot serve God and mammon” (Matthew 6:24). The Christian life invites us to manage resources wisely, avoid unnecessary debt, work diligently and, above all, be generous.
Generosity frees us from selfishness and reflects the heart of a God who gave his own Son. Giving to God’s work, helping those in need and sharing what we have are concrete expressions of faith. “God loveth a cheerful giver” (2 Corinthians 9:7).
Relationships that reflect Christ
The Christian life is seen especially in the way we treat others. Jesus summed up the law as loving God and loving our neighbour. This includes family, neighbours, colleagues and even those who offend us. Forgiveness, patience, humility and service are distinguishing marks of a disciple of Christ.
In marriage and in raising children, faith is lived out very practically. We recommend reading our articles on marriage in the Bible and on raising children.
When suffering comes
Being a Christian does not mean being free of problems. Jesus was clear: “In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world” (John 16:33). Believers face illness, loss, injustice and crisis like anyone else. The difference is that they do not face them alone or without hope.
The Bible allows us to lament before God, as Job, David and Jeremiah did. It also assures us that God can use even pain to shape our character and bring us closer to him. “We know that all things work together for good to them that love God” (Romans 8:28). In hard times, lean on prayer, on the Word and on your faith community, and do not hesitate to seek professional help too when needed.
Spiritual warfare
The Christian life includes a dimension of struggle. Paul describes the armour of God in Ephesians 6: truth, righteousness, the gospel of peace, faith, salvation and the Word of God, all accompanied by prayer. We do not fight in fear, but with the confidence that Christ has already won. Resisting temptation, rejecting lies and standing firm in the truth are part of this daily battle.
Witnesses of Christ
Jesus said: “Ye are the light of the world” (Matthew 5:14). The Christian life has a purpose beyond ourselves: to bear witness to God’s love. This is done with words, sharing the Gospel respectfully and clearly, and with deeds, showing compassion, justice and joy. Many people come to know Christ not through a sermon, but through the consistent life of a believer close to them.
You don’t need to be an expert to bear witness. It is enough to tell what God has done in your life. If you would like to share it, we invite you to write it in our testimonies section.
The hope that sustains the journey
The Christian life looks forward. We await the return of Christ, the resurrection and the restoration of all things. This hope does not make us indifferent to the present; it encourages us to live with purpose, knowing that our labour in the Lord is not in vain (1 Corinthians 15:58).
Practical steps for this week
Choose a gospel and read one chapter a day. Spend ten minutes in prayer every morning. Look for a church where you can gather and take part. Identify one person you can serve or encourage. Ask forgiveness or forgive in a pending relationship. Set aside an offering for someone in need. And at the end of the week, write down how you saw God’s hand in your life.
Prayer
Lord Jesus, I want to follow you every day. Thank you for the new life you have given me. Teach me to love your Word, to pray without ceasing, to serve joyfully and to live in holiness. May my work, my relationships and my decisions honour you. Make me a light in this world, so that others may know you. Amen.