It can be helpful to be reminded about what matters most in the Christian life, regardless of how long you’ve been a believer. Between daily habits and expectations that you may place on yourself, it can feel overwhelming to keep up with faith if God isn’t kept at the center.
At its core, following Jesus is not about doing everything perfectly. It’s about staying connected to Him in simple, consistent ways. Being a Christian isn’t about what you can do to earn God’s love. God already loves you, despite what you do, and that’s the beauty of His grace.
We’ve put together a list below of essentials for living the Christian life. Think of these as steady rhythms that help your faith grow over time rather than a checklist you must complete in order to receive God’s love.
Table of Contents
1. Prayer
Prayer is simply talking to God. It doesn’t need to be complicated, rehearsed or polished. The Bible tells us to “Pray continually.” – 1 Thessalonians 5:17 (NIV)
Praying can be as simple as a quick thought, a quiet moment with God or a longer conversation with Him. It’s intended to draw you closer to the Father and reorient yourself to the One who is really in control of all things.
2. Living in Community
Faith was never meant to be lived alone. Being around other believers can be helpful to bring support and encouragement. The Bible is clear about living in community:
“Encourage one another and build each other up.” – 1 Thessalonians 5:11 (NIV)
“As iron sharpens iron, so a man sharpens the countenance of his friend.” – Proverbs 27:17 (NKJV)
“Two are better than one, because they have good pay for their work. For if one of them falls, the other can help him up.” – Ecclesiastes 4:9 (NLV)
Living life in Christian community is also an incredible way to live honestly with people and have a safe place to confess sin, extend grace and point each other back to Jesus. Even Jesus Himself had 12 disciples supporting Him!
3. Reading the Bible
Scripture is essential to helping you understand who God is and how He works.
The Bible says, “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” – Psalm 119:105 (ESV)
If you feel overwhelmed and don’t know where to start when reading your Bible, start with the gospels: Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. Even reading a few verses a day can guide your thoughts and allow you to understand the character of God.
Remember, the Bible is God’s living word, and it never returns void when you read it or share it with someone.
4. Worship
Worship isn’t just music; it’s a heart posture. It’s choosing to honor God in your everyday life. Many things can be counted as worship besides singing songs.
Some people feel most connected to God in nature and choose to worship God by spending time outside with Him. Others may devote their mornings to a quiet time with God to worship who He is and all He’s done.
Whatever way you prefer to worship God, making time for it daily can transform your soul. Worship has an incredible way of reminding us that God is God and we are not. A concept that seems simple but one we often forget as we try to take our lives into our own hands.
5. Trusting God
In some seasons you walk through, it may be harder to trust that God really sees you and what you’re going through. There will be seasons in this life where you don’t understand what God is doing. Faith grows when you choose to trust Him anyway.
When you can’t see God moving in your situation, you can always trust who the Bible says He is. Rely more on His character rather than what you can see Him doing. This will help keep you grounded in trust no matter what you walk through.
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart.” – Proverbs 3:5 (NIV)
6. Serving Others
Loving people through action reflects the heart of Jesus and helps take your eyes off yourself and onto others. The Bible gives us a blueprint for serving others and says, “Serve one another humbly in love.” – Galatians 5:13 (NRSV)
Taking time to serve can greatly impact your own soul and well-being. Many mental health counselors often recommend serving others to increase mood, gratitude and feelings of self-worth.
Serving someone doesn’t have to be complicated. It can be dropping off a meal to someone in need, sending an encouraging text to a friend or reaching out to someone in your community asking how you can support them.
Challenge: Reach out to someone this week, and see how you can be of service to them.
7. Obedience
Obeying God is never about perfection; it’s about saying yes to God, one step and one decision at a time.
Starting your day by saying a simple prayer is a great way to align your heart with God’s. Say something like, “God, I want to be obedient to you. Show me what I need to know today and allow me to walk in your ways. Amen”
If long-term obedience feels intimidating, try viewing each decision as a conscious effort to follow Jesus. Over time, each step of obedience will equal an incredibly full, flourishing life in Christ.
Final Thoughts
Being a Christian isn’t about checking boxes to earn God’s love. Rather, it’s the opposite. It’s never having to earn God’s love or grace but to openly receive it and out of that abundance, wanting to draw closer to Him.
Start small, and stay consistent. God will meet you right where you are.
Daily Reflection Questions
Sit with the Lord whenever you have a few moments to be still today. Inhale, exhale and invite the Holy Spirit into your space as you work through the below questions.
- Which of these “essentials” feel the easiest and hardest to do right now and why?
- Which one might God be inviting me to grow in?
- What is one small step I can take this week to connect with God?
- Am I living my life in a way that reflects the good news of Christ?
- How can I start my day in a way that sets my mind on Jesus first?
A Prayer for Growing in Faith
“Jesus, thank you for allowing me to have a relationship with the creator of the world. I don’t take that lightly.
Please help me to grow in my faith through daily decisions to connect with You. Help me grow in my faith through prayer, Your Word and community.
Teach me to trust You more each day and to follow You with a willing heart. Show me how to live in a way that reflects Your love to others who may not know You. Amen.”
Bible Verses Used & Translation
- 1 Thessalonians 5:17 (NIV)
- Psalm 119:105 (ESV)
- 1 Thessalonians 5:11 (NIV)
- Galatians 5:13 (NRSV)
- Proverbs 3:5 (NIV)
- Proverbs 27:17 (NKJV)
- Ecclesiastes 4:9 (NLV)
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