Daily devotion – a day in the life
Colossians 1:9 For this reason we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to ask that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding; 10 that you may walk worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing Him, being fruitful in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God;
What does everyday Christian living look like in the world in which we live today? How did it look at the time of the early Church?
Some people struggle with the idea that they must become almost monastic to live an authentic Christian life. No T.V., no colourful clothing, no humour, no mixing with any unbelievers. Still, others go to the other end of the spectrum – they name the name of Jesus, but apart from attending Church maybe once a week, their life is entirely void of any other such Christian service. They live, speak, and do everything that their unsaved neighbours do.
Colossians 3: 15 And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful. 16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. 17 And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.
Whatever you do….do all in the name of the Lord…giving thanks…
There it is in a nutshell!
When you wake up, give thanks to the Lord, read His Word just as you would have your first meal, breaking the fast – or breakfast. Give thanks for your food and ask God to guide your day and lead you to be able to share His Word with someone.
Seek God throughout the day, asking Him to help you in areas of your life you know are not right. Ask forgiveness for those sins that you have committed and ask God to help you not to repeat them.
When someone shares trouble or concern with you at work, school or even a stranger, ask them if you could pray for them about their problem.
When your children play their sport, or just before paddling out into the ocean, or stepping onto a football, basketball, rugby or netball field, pray with them before they start and commit the game or time to the Lord. So praying before the game, before the surf, becomes a regular part of your routine. As you go about your work day or other duties at home, seek God’s wisdom and ask Him to guide your ears in listening and speaking.
As you travel to work or home, give thanks for your family, and pray over them for God’s peace and protection. Thank the Lord for His mercy and grace.
Eat together as a family and share the day praying for issues. Remember to thank God for providing the food and bless those who have prepared it. Share a verse of the Bible with someone or family that God has spoken to you.
Before you rest, thank God for being with you throughout the day, read His Word and ask Him to fill your thoughts as you sleep with His thoughts. Ask Him to watch over all your family that night and seek Him to go ahead of your day tomorrow and prepare the new day for you.
Living the Christian life is going about your day with the companionship of Christ with you in everything. It is speaking to Him, asking Him to guide you, to lead you, in all that you do, whether it be work, sport, or simply going for a walk or coffee.
Paul teaches us… Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. – Romans 12:1
So, it’s not weird, nor is it being ignorant of God. The Christian life walks with God….just like Abraham…in step with God…not ahead of Him or behind Him…but like a little child walking with their father or mother. Safe in His hands, led by Him and enjoy His presence wherever He leads you.