A Christ-centred life is the key to true peace and fulfilment. For years, I chased after the world’s empty promises, only to find myself lost and unfulfilled. But everything changed when I experienced a profound spiritual transformation by surrendering to God. In letting go of my old ways and embracing the path He had planned for me, I discovered the joy and purpose that come from living a Christ-centred life.
For a long time, I was all about me, man. I wanted it all – fame, fortune, and the freedom to do whatever I wanted. But when I looked inside myself, there was still an empty space. I thought I knew everything, but the more I tried to grab it all, the more lost I felt.
It was only when I found Jesus that things started to turn around. Still, it wasn’t a walk in the park. Day by day I realised that life is much better when you let go of the old you and grab hold of what God has planned for you.
The Empty Pursuit of Worldly Desires
Let’s be honest. The world is full of temptations, and it’s easy to get caught up in them. Whether it’s chasing money, pleasure, or power. Things that seem to promise happiness. But they don’t. I’ve been there! Chasing after the next high, the next thrill, thinking it would fill the hole in my soul. But instead, it left me feeling more empty than ever.
The Bible warns us about this. In 1 John 2:15, it says, “Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him.”
This verse hit me hard because it got to the heart of the problem. The more I loved the things of this world, the further I drifted from God. I realised that the love of the world was like a heavy chain. Something that kept me tied to fleeting things that could never truly satisfy.
It took a lot for me to realise this. I had to hit rock bottom, to feel the weight of my choices. Only then did I understand that I was chasing after stuff that didn’t matter. But God, in His infinite mercy, was always there, waiting for me to turn back to Him.
Surrendering to God’s Will
Surrendering is a difficult concept for most of us. We’re taught to be strong, independent, and do things our own way… to make our own way in the world. But what happens when our way leads to our destruction? What happens when we realise that we’re not in control?
This is where I found myself – at the end of my own rope, finally ready to surrender to God. Hear me readers, it wasn’t easy. I had to unlearn so much, and had to let go of stuff I thought was important. But when I did, I found something amazing. I found peace.
The Bible says in Proverbs 3:5-6, “Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.”
This verse became my anchor as I began to surrender more and more of my life to God. I stopped relying on my own understanding. My own desires were moved to the back as I started trusting in God’s plan for me.
And you know what? My life changed. The chaos that had been my constant companion began to fade away. I found clarity where there had been confusion, peace where there had been turmoil. I realised that surrendering to God didn’t mean losing myself; it meant finding my true self in Him.
Now I’m running home, Like the Prodigal
I don’t need the money, I don’t want the fame
I don’t want what I can’t take, With me in the grave
I don’t want to lose my soul, Chasing after things that don’t lead
Me straight to You – The Prodigal by Josiah Queen
Becoming a Reflection of Christ’s Love
As I started to live more for Jesus (Christ-centred life) and less for myself, I saw something amazing happen. My relationships got better. Where there used to be anger and bitterness, there was now forgiveness and understanding. Where I used to be selfish, I was now loving and caring. I was becoming like Jesus, and it wasn’t just changing me, it was changing the people around me too.
Galatians 2:20 says, “I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.”
This verse perfectly encapsulates what it means to live a Christ-centred life. It’s not about us anymore; it’s about Him. It’s about letting Christ live in us, guiding our actions, our words, and our thoughts.
Living this way isn’t always easy. There are times when the old self tries to creep back in. When the temptations of the world seem too strong to resist. But in those moments, I remember that I am not alone. Christ is with me, living in me, helping me to be more like Him.
No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it. —1 Corinthians 10:13 (NIV)
The Joy of a Transformed Christ-centred Life
When I look back on my journey, I’m filled with thanks. I’m thankful for how God has changed my life, how He took my brokenness and made something beautiful from it. I’m grateful for the peace and happiness that come from living a life that’s not about me, but about Him.
The world might tell us to look out for ourselves, to chase our dreams and put ourselves first. But the truth is, there’s no greater joy, no greater satisfaction, than living for Jesus. When we step back so He can step forward in our lives, we discover a life that has meaning, a life filled with love, peace, and joy.
If you’re feeling empty, lost or down, I encourage you to turn to God. Let go of what’s holding you back, the things keeping you tied to this world, and embrace what God has planned for you. It won’t be easy, but it’ll be worth it.
Remember the words of John 3:30, “He must increase, but I must decrease.” This is the key to a life transformed by God. The more we let go of ourselves, the more space we make for Him. And when we do that, we find that life is so much better – because it’s not about us anymore, it’s about Him.
A Life Worth Living | Surrender to God
This journey of ‘less of me, more of Him’ is a lifelong journey. It’s about learning to let go of our own wants and plans, and trusting in God’s perfect plan for our lives. It’s about discovering the real peace and happiness that come from living a life centred on Jesus.
So today, I encourage you to take that step. Give in to God, let Him grow in your life, and watch how He changes you. It’s not about losing yourself – it’s about finding your true self in Him. And that, my friends, is a life worth living.
Looking for a community that supports your spiritual growth and journey in Christ? Check out Rhema South Coast Church. Find uplifting messages, fellowship, and encouragement to live a life of ‘Less of Me, More of Him.’
James Bean, is a freelance content creator with a background in the military, photography and journalism. He loves creating genuine and impactful content. Check out his work on One Creative Bean.