We often talk about the various parts of life – family, church, work, friends, and recreation – in terms of departments, compartments, or silos. When we separate these dimensions of our lives, we may fail to see and experience the unifying thread of God working in every aspect of our life. Each aspect of our lives, in one way or another, affects all the others.
Living an integrated life starts with recognizing that God cares about every aspect of our life. We recognize that He is involved in every facet and connects every part. There is no dis-integration where God is at work; His work is especially seen as He works within us and within our relationships (1 John 4:12).
Transformation comes from seeing and experiencing God (Father, Son, and Spirit) at work in our lives, in every relationship and activity. As we experience more of His unifying work in our lives, we can come to realize that He has uniquely designed, gifted, and prepared each of us to live out His call. For those of us who spend many hours in the contemporary workplace, He has prepared us to be Marketplace Ambassadors.
Because God treasures people, we should exercise great care in our relationships as we experience His truth, love, and grace together. One of the most valuable resources God has given to every one of us is time. When we look at time and our priorities, we often are convicted by what we do invest our time in and regularly face the fact that we allow ourselves to be TOO BUSY TO…. Prioritize in a godly way. The Bible teaches us about His priorities, we understand this starts with our relationship with Him. Everything else flows from that: our relationships with our spouse and family, as well as our various relationships with others.
Living out God's unique design and calling is the most rewarding and exciting way to live. With our priorities set on eternal things, we can purpose to work as unto the Lord (Colossians 3:23), cherishing people and experiencing God’s transformational power.
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A man of faith who prioritizes his Christian life is a man who understands and lives out certain key attributes. He does not simply hold his faith as one aspect of his life; instead, his faith permeates every facet of his being. Here are several attributes that define such a man and practical ways to cultivate these attributes.
### 1. **Vigilance and Awareness**
A man of faith understands the importance of vigilance in his spiritual walk. The Bible warns us in 1 Peter 5:8, "Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour."
Vigilance requires a constant awareness of the spiritual realities around us. This means being mindful of our thoughts, actions, and the influences we allow into our lives. A vigilant man guards his heart and mind, filling them with God’s Word and truth.
### 2. **Prioritizing Eternal over Temporal**
In Matthew 16:26, Jesus poses a powerful question, "For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul? Or what shall a man give in return for his soul?" A man of faith understands the fleeting nature of worldly gains and prioritizes eternal values over temporal achievements.
To live this out, one must regularly assess their priorities and ensure that their goals align with God’s purpose. This means making decisions that might not always make sense from a worldly perspective but honor God and reflect eternal priorities.
### 3. **Loving God and Others**
Jesus summarized the commandments in Matthew 22:37-39: "'You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the great and first commandment. And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself.'"
A man of faith demonstrates his love for God through worship, obedience, and a personal relationship with Him. He also extends this love to others, showing compassion, kindness, and respect in all interactions. This love is evident in how he treats his family, friends, colleagues, and even strangers.
### 4. **Walking in God’s Ways**
Psalm 119:35-37 provides a beautiful prayer: "Lead me in the path of your commandments, for I delight in it. Incline my heart to your testimonies, and not to selfish gain! Turn my eyes from looking at worthless things; and give me life in your ways."
A man of faith seeks God’s guidance and strives to walk in His ways. This involves a daily commitment to studying Scripture, prayer, and being sensitive to the Holy Spirit’s leading. By doing so, he aligns his life with God’s will and purpose.
### 5. **Integrating Faith in All Aspects of Life**
Rather than compartmentalizing his faith, a man of faith integrates it into every area of his life. He sees his work, family life, friendships, and recreational activities as opportunities to live out his faith and glorify God.
To achieve this, he must constantly seek God’s presence and guidance in every situation. Whether making business decisions, interacting with family members, or engaging in hobbies, he does so with a heart dedicated to God.
### Practical Steps to Cultivate These Attributes
1. **Daily Devotions**: Spend time each day in prayer, Bible reading, and reflection. This helps to keep your focus on God and His will for your life.
2. **Community**: Surround yourself with fellow believers who can encourage, support, and hold you accountable. Engage in small groups, Bible studies, and fellowship activities.
3. **Service**: Actively look for ways to serve others in your church, workplace, and community. Serving helps to shift the focus from yourself to others and demonstrates God’s love in action.
4. **Continuous Learning**: Commit to lifelong learning and growth in your faith. Attend conferences, read books, and seek mentorship from mature Christians.
5. **Balance and Boundaries**: Ensure you are setting healthy boundaries to maintain balance in your life. This includes taking care of your physical health, spending quality time with family, and finding rest.
In conclusion, a man of faith who prioritizes his Christian life is one who lives with vigilance, prioritizes eternal values, loves God and others, walks in God’s ways, and integrates his faith into all areas of life. By cultivating these attributes, he not only grows in his own faith but also becomes a beacon of God’s love and truth to those around him.