Living a Life Worth Living (John 12:24-26)

June reached for her Bible, a habit she’d cultivated over the years. But today felt different. The words “A Life Worth Living“ echoed in her mind, stirring a longing for something more. She whispered a prayer, “Lord, show me how to truly live for You.”

Apostle Paul’s words ring true today: “For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain” (Philippians 1:21). But what does it mean to truly live for Christ? How can we, as modern-day disciples, embody this profound truth in our daily lives? Let’s find out.

Jesus’ invitation to “Follow me” (Matthew 4:19) is more than a casual suggestion; it’s a life-altering command. Discipleship isn’t a part-time commitment or a Sunday-only affair. It’s an all-encompassing lifestyle that transforms every aspect of our existence.

To be a disciple means to be a learner, an apprentice of Jesus. We’re called to pattern our lives after His, to “deny [ourselves] and take up [our] cross daily and follow [Him]” (Luke 9:23). This journey of discipleship is not always easy, but it’s undoubtedly rewarding.

A Heart for God’s Word

At the core of Christian discipleship is a deep love for God’s Word. The Psalmist declares, “Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path” (Psalm 119:105). To live a life worth living, we must immerse ourselves in Scripture.

1. Prioritize Bible Study: Set aside dedicated time each day to read and meditate on God’s Word. As you study, ask the Holy Spirit to illuminate the text and reveal its application to your life.
2. Memorize Scripture: Hide God’s Word in your heart (Psalm 119:11). Start with key verses and gradually build your repertoire. Let these truths shape your thoughts and actions.
3. Apply What You Learn: James 1:22 reminds us to be “doers of the word, and not hearers only.” Actively seek ways to apply biblical principles in your daily life.

Walking in Obedience and Faith

Discipleship demands more than head knowledge; it requires heart transformation and obedient action. Jesus said, “If you love me, keep my commands” (John 14:15). Our love for Christ is demonstrated through our obedience to His teachings. Below are ways to walk in obedience and faith;

1. Surrender Daily: Each morning, consciously surrender your will to God’s. Pray, “Not my will, but yours be done” (Luke 22:42).
2. Step Out in Faith: Trust God’s promises and step out of your comfort zone. Remember, “faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead” (James 2:17).
3. Embrace Trials: View challenges as opportunities for growth. “Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance” (James 1:2-3).

Investing in Service

Discipleship is not a solitary journey. We’re called to be part of the body of Christ, to “spur one another on toward love and good deeds” (Hebrews 10:24).

1. Engage in Church Activities: Regularly attend and actively participate in your local church. “Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encourage one another” (Hebrews 10:25).
2. Find a Mentor and Be a Mentor: Seek guidance from mature believers and be willing to guide others. Paul instructed Timothy, “And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses is entrusted to reliable people who will also be qualified to teach others” (2 Timothy 2:2).
3. Serve Others: Use your gifts to serve the body of Christ and reach out to those in need. “Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms” (1 Peter 4:10).

Conclusion

Living a life worth living as a disciple of Christ is not about achieving worldly success or accumulating material possessions. It’s about aligning our hearts with God’s purposes, growing in Christlikeness, and impacting others for His kingdom. As we do this, we’ll find that our lives begin to reflect the abundant life Jesus promised (John 10:10). We’ll discover the joy of being “God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do” (Ephesians 2:10).

Remember, discipleship is a lifelong journey. There will be challenges and setbacks, but take heart in Paul’s words: “I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 3:14).