RootedinHisWord

The dictionary describes living as the pursuit of a particular lifestyle—the way of life a person chooses to follow. When you think about it, we are all living for something. Whether consciously or unconsciously, our daily choices reveal what—or who—we are living for.

But the most important way to live is to live for God—seeking to please Him in all that we do and recognizing that we are nothing without Him. Apart from Him, we can do nothing of lasting value.

Living for the One and Only True Living God

Living for God means that pleasing Him becomes our focus and our goal. The apostle Paul expressed this clearly in his prayer for the Colossian church:

“…that you may walk worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing Him, being fruitful in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God.”
— Colossians 1:10

The Colossians valued the accumulation of knowledge, but Paul wanted them to understand that knowledge by itself is empty. Knowledge should lead to transformation. It should guide how we live, how we love, and how we serve. God desires for us to grow in knowing Him—not simply for information, but for a changed life marked by obedience and faith.

Living for God Means Dying to Sin

Living for God also means we have died to sin and no longer live according to our old ways.

“Therefore, since Christ suffered in his body, arm yourselves also with the same attitude… so that they do not live the rest of their earthly lives for evil human desires, but rather for the will of God.”
— 1 Peter 4:1–2

No one enjoys pain, and many will do whatever it takes to avoid it. But as followers of Christ, we must be willing to do God’s will—even when it involves suffering. When we focus on Christ, sin loses its power over us. Anyone who willingly suffers while doing the will of God has made a decisive break with sin.

Pain has a way of revealing our true values. When life is fragile, sinful pleasures lose their appeal, and what truly matters comes into focus.

Paul reminds us:

“For we know that our old self was crucified with Him… that we should no longer be slaves to sin.”
— Romans 6:6–8

Through Christ’s death and resurrection, the power of sin has been defeated. We are no longer condemned—we stand acquitted before God. Because of this, we do not fear death. That freedom allows us to live fully for Him, enjoying fellowship with God and walking in His will.

This commitment affects every area of our lives:

• Bible study
• Work
• Play
• Quiet times
• Daily decisions

Living for God is not compartmentalized—it is comprehensive.

Living for God Means He Alone Is God

God makes His expectations clear:

“You shall have no other gods before Me.”
— Exodus 20:3

Today, idols may not look like statues, but they are just as real. Money, work, success, pleasure, or even relationships can become “gods” when we look to them for identity, meaning, or security. Keeping God at the center of our lives prevents these things from taking His place.

Living for God Means Studying His Word

“Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved… who correctly handles the word of truth.”
— 2 Timothy 2:15

God will examine how we have lived and served Him. That is why our lives must be built on His Word. Scripture teaches us how to live for God, how to serve Him, and how to grow in faith.

Paul’s words capture the heart of a life surrendered to Christ:

“I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me.”
— Galatians 2:20

“Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.”
— Galatians 5:25

And finally:

“If we live, we live for the Lord; and if we die, we die for the Lord.”
— Romans 14:8

A Final Question to Reflect On

Who are you living for?

Are you living for yourself?
Your spouse?
Your parents?
Your children?
Your friends?

Or are you living for the One and Only True and Living God?

Does your life reflect that truth?

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