A Christian life has a purpose far greater than success or religious respectability. Jesus Christ calls us to follow Him and to be changed by the life He gives.
That calling reaches the ordinary parts of life. It changes how we work, how we treat our families, and how we face suffering.
Our first purpose is to know Jesus Christ
Jesus is not a distant idea or a symbol for our own values. He is the Son of God, and through Him we are reconciled to our Heavenly Father.
To know Him is to trust Him and receive His correction. A busy Christian life that has drifted away from the Savior has lost its way.
“This is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent.”
John 17:3 ↗
We are called to become like Him
The gospel does not leave us where it finds us. Christ forgives us and then teaches us to live differently.
This change is not self-salvation. It is what His grace begins to produce when we keep walking with Him.
“What manner of men ought ye to be? Verily I say unto you, even as I am.”
3 Nephi 27:27 ↗
Love for God becomes visible
We love God by giving Him more than the religious corner of our lives. Prayer matters, but so do our decisions when no one is watching.
Love for Him also changes the way we treat people. The second great commandment is not a separate subject.
Service is part of our worship
When the beam has been at least partly pulled from our own eye, we can begin to help without pretending we stand above anyone.
Service to another person is not a lesser spiritual work. The Book of Mormon says plainly that it is service to God.
“When ye are in the service of your fellow beings ye are only in the service of your God.”
Mosiah 2:17 ↗
We seek the kingdom in ordinary life
Most of us will not serve God through dramatic public acts. We will serve Him by keeping promises and returning after failure.
Seeking the kingdom first gives these small acts their direction. It places comfort and ambition beneath the rule of Christ.
“Seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness.”
Matthew 6:33 ↗