Healthy Heart Checkഉദാഹരണം

Once we recognize Christ has been displaced from the center of our lives, how do we restore Him to His rightful position? This process isn't complicated, though it does require intentionality. Let me share three practical steps that have helped me maintain Christ's centrality in every area of life.

First, recognize what's currently occupying the center position and deliberately remove it. This step requires honest self-assessment. What currently holds the place Christ should occupy? Perhaps it's a relationship that consumes your thoughts, a career ambition that drives all your decisions, or even good things like family or ministry that have been elevated above Christ Himself.

Identifying this displacement isn't about condemnation but clarity. Once you recognize what's occupying the center, consciously choose to dethrone it. For example, if worry has taken the central position, acknowledge its presence and deliberately surrender that concern to Christ, inviting Him to occupy that space instead.

Second, dedicate yourself to meeting with Christ consistently. In the Old Testament, God instructed His people to engage with His Word both morning and night. In Joshua 1:8, it says, 'This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it.' This pattern establishes Christ at the center of our days—beginning and ending with Him creates a framework where everything naturally revolves around His presence.

I'm not suggesting this will always be convenient. Getting up earlier or staying up a bit later requires sacrifice. But I promise you this: time with God is time you will never regret spending. I've never finished my morning Bible reading, thinking, "I wish I hadn't spent those extra five minutes in the Word."

Both morning and evening encounters matter. Morning time with God covers the front end of your day with His presence, while evening time ensures you process the day's events through His perspective before sleeping. You might start with just five minutes in each session, gradually building your capacity for longer periods.

Third, learn to pray without ceasing. In 1 Thessalonians 5:17, it says, 'Pray without ceasing.' This practice isn't as daunting as it might sound. Praying without ceasing simply means maintaining an ongoing conversation with God throughout your day. It's bringing Him into every decision and interaction—consulting Him first rather than as a last resort.

When I first began practicing this, it required conscious effort. But over time, it became my natural response to everything. I'd find myself automatically turning to God about matters both small and significant, surprised by how seamlessly prayer had integrated into my thought patterns.

This continuous conversation keeps Christ at the center moment by moment. The beautiful result is that everything else finds its proper place. Relationships improve, decisions become clearer, and challenges take on new meaning when viewed from Christ's centrality.

Final Prayer: Father, thank You for desiring to be at the center of my life. Forgive me for the times I've allowed other things to displace You. Help me recognize when You've been shifted from the center, and give me the courage to restore You to Your rightful place. In Jesus' name, amen.

If you enjoyed this reading plan, you'll love the complimentary guided journal I've created called "Where to GROW from Here?: A 14-day Guided Journal and Quiz" to help you grow in your walk with God. Take the quiz and grab your journal HERE.