Lifestyle

The word lifestyle has become a tricky and dangerous one for Christians, implying that an unlimited range of choices is open to us, from which we may select anything that happens to suit our fancy. We must remember first that the Incarnate Word entered into human life, ”dwelt among us,” and showed us glory, grace, and truth. We in turn, as those in whom Christ dwells now, are to live out His life wherever we are, whatever our gifts, temperament, or necessities. But this is what places a limitation on “lifestyle” –it is His life that we are to live. Paul’s prayer for the Colossian Christians is “that your manner of life may be worthy of the Lord and entirely pleasing to Him” (Col 1:10). This is to be our rule in the bedroom and kitchen; in the garden, shop, grocery store; in the office, the classroom, the subway, or on the ski slopes; whether we are old or young, sick or well, happy or sad, married or single, “advantaged” or “disadvantaged,” First World or Third World. The “secret hidden for long ages” is to be revealed in and through your “lifestyles,” my “lifestyle” –“the secret is this: Christ in you, the hope of a glory to come” (Col. 1:27).

What does He look like to those who watch you and me?