The Lifestyle of Jesus
We hear a lot about Jesus’ many great ministry works. His earthly ministry was flooded with miracles and many astonishing things, such as turning water into wine, raising the dead and healing all manner of diseases.
However, what has always interested me about the life and ministry of Jesus was His lifestyle.
Many people focus on the works of Jesus, but don’t mention His everyday lifestyle. We miss a profound destiny-shaping revelation when we neglect to study His patterns of living.
What Was Jesus’ Lifestyle?
Jesus’ lifestyle was to seek God’s will and do it. He summarized His heart on this when He said,
For I have come down from heaven not to do my will but to do the will of him who sent me. (John 6:38)
Jesus’ whole life revolved around doing the will of God. This was the foundation for all of His amazing ministry works.
His whole life was sanctified (set apart) to the Father. His ministry and even His times of rest and fun were all done within the will of God.
Insights from Jesus’ Life
Jesus didn’t heal everyone who crossed His path (John 5:1-13)
Jesus didn’t immediately raise Lazarus from the dead (John 11:6)
Jesus attended a wedding (John 2:1-12)
Jesus had times of rest in His meals with His disciples and friends (John 12:1-2)
Jesus often withdrew from large crowds to pray (Luke 5:16)
Jesus sought His Father’s pleasure alone. Therefore, His ministry to others as well as His personal times of relaxation were all done in accordance with the Father’s will and approval.
Following Jesus’ Example
Jesus knew the specific works God gave Him to do.
…For the works that the Father has given me to finish—the very works that I am doing—testify that the Father has sent me. (John 5:36)
He not only knew those works, but He knew when they were finished.
I have brought you glory on earth by finishing the work you gave me to do. (John 17:4)
We as His followers are called to follow His example of finishing the works God has given us to do.
God wrote His plans for us in a book before we were born. But it’s up to us to find out those plans through seeking Him, and then fulfill what He has predestined us to do.
Your eyes saw my unformed body; all the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be. (Psalm 139:16)
For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. (Ephesians 2:10)
We will have to give an account of whether or not we fulfilled what God had planned for us (2 Corinthians 5:10).
Fulfilling God’s Will for Us
How do we get started fulfilling His will?
The first steps to discovering God’s specific will for us is to follow Jesus’ example of constant and intentional prayer. Jesus didn’t just seek God once a month, but He set aside time to pray to the Father by Himself very often.
Be persistent in asking God what He has planned for you
Consider what He has spoken to you in the past and if you’ve taken steps toward those words
Pray “Teach me to do Your will, for you are my God.” (Psalm 143:10)
Surrender - be open to what He has planned for you even if it’s not what you expected
Take those first steps of faith after He gives you a word or a peace about a certain direction
Continually ask questions and follow up on the details of what He’s told you
Keep seeking – don’t give up!
God rewards those who diligently seek Him (Hebrews 11:6). When we seek Him, He will answer and show us what He has planned for us. He will also direct us and give further instructions when we are already in His assignment for us.
An example of someone who pursued God’s will for him was king David. He always inquired of the Lord before making decisions (2 Samuel 5:19). He was a man after God’s heart, always wanting to be where God was and please Him (1 Samuel 13:14).
I hope this challenges you, like it does me, to intentionally and even aggressively seek God’s will for your life.
He has glorious plans for us, just waiting to be discovered through our relationship with Him!
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