Do We Live for Christ or for Ourselves?

and He died for all, that those who live should live no longer for themselves, but for Him who died for them and rose again. (2 Corinthians 5:15)

Today’s big question: do we live for Christ or for ourselves?

When discussing Christian living in this new devotional series, we should start with foundational doctrines. There are many aspects we could study regarding how Christians should live, but if we have not laid our foundation correctly, then we will fail. Today’s big question is the first one that should be asked of any believer.

Jesus Christ gave Himself in order to be the ultimate sacrifice as a covering for our sins. The least we should do is live for the one who saved us. Furthermore, Scripture clearly states that “He is the head of the body, the church” (Colossians 1:18). As believers, we are to have Christ as our focal point in everything we do.

Now that we are living for Christ, “we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were pleading through us: we implore you on Christ’s behalf, be reconciled to God” (2 Corinthians 5:20). In other words, living for Christ means that we are professing Christ in everything we do, and proclaiming the grace and peace unbelievers can receive in Christ.

Notice that God’s Word does not state that we should live for Christ just in specific areas or on a particular day. Believers are subject to Christ in everything (Ephesians 1:22). We constantly need to be on guard and make sure our focus is on Christ rather than ourselves.

People who have received Christ as Savior are called Christians because Christ is the head of all believers. The word “Christian” (Christianos in the Greek) summarizes the fact that a believer is saved as a result of Christ’s work on the Cross and is now living for Him—a follower of Christ. True Christian living is to live for Christ in everything we do all the time! We can easily recognize that Christ is the foundation (“chief cornerstone”) for every believer (Ephesians 2:19–21).

Today’s big idea: in everything,Christians are to live for Christ 24/7.

What to pray: ask God to help you make Christ the head of your life in everything.