How do we incorporate Christ's teachings in our life?
Christ was himself asked what was necessary to obtain eternal life. His answer, with some variation between versions in Matt. 19:18-21, Mark 10:19, and John 13:34, was his list of commandments.
- Do not murder
- Do not commit adultery
- Do not steal
- Do not bear false witness
- Do not defraud others
- Honor your parents
- Love your neighbor as yourself/as I have loved you
Additionally, in Matthew, he says to the young man asking, If you would be perfect, sell what you have and give to the poor, then you will have treasure in heaven. These commandments are a simple and easy-to-understand list of behaviors. These rules are readily seen in most societies throughout history. In addition, we have many parables and examples of Christ's life to gain further understanding of what a Christ-inspired life is.
Christ often spoke of the difficulties of the rich reaching heaven. This is due to the pursuit of wealth for its own sake. We all make our own version of hell. If you are constantly trying to get the newest phone, the latest car, or the biggest house, then you are not living in the freedom God offers. Instead, you are constantly struggling in a rat race, comparing yourself to others.
Another repeated theme in Christ's teaching is the importance of embracing a child-like faith and the blessing that children are. Children in their innocence believe, and our faith in God should be as strong and sincere.
In Matt. 10:16, he sends us out as sheep among the wolves, and we must be as wise as serpents and innocent as doves. There are always going to be others that wish you ill; they will take advantage of you if they can. We must stand tall in our faith and our principles and be wise to avoid their traps and tricks. Col. 4:6 tells us to speak graciously but be prepared to defend our principles.
In John 10:10, Christ speaks of our lives being more abundant. Matt. 5:14-16 and Eph. 5:8 say we are a light to the world and should walk as children of the light.
Christians are not meant to live as victims or helpless doormats that others walk over. In Eph. 6:11-17 we are told we wrestle against darkness and powers, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Against these things we must stand, arming ourselves with truth and righteousness, his peace and salvation. Rom. 12:2 instructs us not to conform to the world but to be transformed by renewing our mind.
We are admonished to not return evil for evil. Instead, live honestly before all. We should seek peace where possible. Rom. 12:17-19.
Highlighted below is a distillation of the many admonitions found in the New Testament.
- Always tell the truth and live a life of integrity. Those around us cannot make the best decisions if we are feeding them lies by word, deed, or lifestyle.
- Do not take what is not yours. Whether a loaf of bread, a stranger's idea, or the life of someone else, because you can. These things do not belong to you.
- Be prepared to defend what is right and just. If even one person is enslaved, all are.
- Respect the freedom of others, just as you require them to honor your own. Nowhere is it promised everyone will like your decisions or that you must like the choices of others.
- Honor those who have come before you. As they lived, fought, bled, and died, it created this moment for you.
- Accept responsibility for your own actions. We are accountable for our conduct, so make it worthy of praise and honor.
- Be generous, hospitable, and respectful. We reap what we sow.
- As God’s children, we are reflections of him to the world. Train your body, mind, and spirit so you may reach your highest potential.
- Families, especially children, are precious gifts and a great responsibility.
