How should we live until Jesus returns? The short version: by living in step with Jesus throughout your day, every day. Here's why.
It seemed a revolutionary idea when I first heard it, but at the same time it’s so obvious I’m not sure how I missed it all these years. What’s the essence of Christianity? The purpose? It’s oneness, or union, with God. Literally his Spirit, the life of Christ, living inside you; you living in step with Jesus.
“It’s not about trust more, obey more, hear more – it’s not a set of beliefs that we attach to our lives to try to live them out – the essence, the epicenter of Christianity, is actual union with God.” – John Eldredge, (podcast)
“Christian spirituality is union in action with the triune God.” Dallas Willard, The Great Ommission
And as you live in step with Jesus, you become more like him every day, and it brings such joy, peace, hope and freedom. But that’s a topic for another day. For now, let’s focus on the concept of the actual life of God, living inside of you. Once you start looking for it, you’ll see it everywhere in the New Testament. Here are just a few of the Scriptures:
John 15:4 – So you must remain in life-union with me, for I remain in life-union with you. For as a branch severed from the vine will not bear fruit, so your life will be fruitless unless you live your life intimately joined to mine.
1 Cor. 6:17 – …but the one who joins himself to the Lord is mingled into one spirit with him.
Romans 6:23 – For sin’s meager wages is death, but God’s lavish gift is life eternal, found in your union with our Lord Jesus, the Anointed One.
Romans 8:4 – So now every righteous requirement of the law can be fulfilled through the Anointed One living his life in us…
Galations 2:20 - …now the essence of this new life is no longer mine, for the Anointed One lives his life through me – we live in union as one!
Colossians 1:27 – living within you is the Christ who floods you with the expectation of glory.
Colossians 3:11 - …it is Christ that means everything as he lives in every one of us!
1 John 4:13 – And he has given us his Spirit within us so that we can have the assurance that he lives in us and that we live in him.
And then this verse, which for me perfectly captures the way I want to live as I wait expectantly for Christ’s return. Living in step with Jesus…in the dailies, in all the little things and big things, bad things and good things, sad things and funny things, all of it…truly knowing him…means that when he returns, I will be overjoyed, confident, courageous…because I know him. He’s truly my best friend. We’ve done all of life together.
1 John 2:28 - And now dear children, remain in him so that when he returns you will be full of courage and not shrink back from him in shame.
“Really now, if you knew you had the opportunity to develop a conversational intimacy with the wisest, kindest, most generous and seasoned person in the world, wouldn’t it make sense to spend your time with that person, as opposed to, say, slogging your way through on your own?” – John Eldredge, Walking with God
We'll talk more about how to live in step with Jesus another time. For now, simply start by talking with Him - at all times! Consciously choose to turn your mind toward God throughout your day. Fill your mind with his Word. Talk with him throughout your day...and listen expectantly for him to respond! He ADORES you!
