Learning from Jesus’ Way of Life for Our Own Spiritual Growth
Introduction
If you’ve ever wondered what Jesus actually did in his day-to-day life, the answer might surprise you. He didn’t just teach and heal; he practiced a set of activities that shaped who he was and how he lived. These weren’t just “religious things”—they were habits that kept him connected to God and to people. In today’s world, these same practices can help us find a deeper faith and a more meaningful life.
Jesus’ Spiritual Habits: Down to Earth and Doable
· Solitude and Silence: Jesus often withdrew from crowds to be alone. He spent quiet moments away from noise and distractions, finding peace and space to listen to God.
· Prayer: Prayer was central to Jesus’ life. Whether early in the morning or late at night, he talked with God about everything—his hopes, his worries, and his mission.
· Simple and Sacrificial Living: Jesus didn’t chase after wealth or comfort. He lived simply, choosing to give up things for the sake of others and for God’s purpose.
· Studying and Meditating on God’s Word: Jesus knew the Scriptures deeply and often quoted them. He spent time thinking about what God’s words meant and how they applied to real life.
· Serving Others: Jesus helped wherever he went—feeding the hungry, healing the sick, comforting the lonely. He showed that loving others is at the heart of faith.
Why These Practices Matter—Maybe Even More for Us
The Bible teaches that Jesus stands apart in both who He is and the purpose He fulfilled. He was not just a remarkable spiritual figure of His time, but truly the Son of God (John 3:16), and God incarnate—God in human form (1 Timothy 3:16), fully human and fully divine (Colossians 2:9). Unlike Jesus, who was perfect, each of us faces personal challenges and weaknesses. This makes it especially important to embrace practices such as solitude and silence to find peace amid noise, prayer for comfort and strength, simple living to ease stress and avoid distractions, engaging with God’s Word for wisdom, and serving others to create meaningful connections and purpose in life.
While Jesus was perfect, we all have our struggles and weaknesses. That’s why these practices are even more important for us. Solitude and silence can help us find calm in a noisy world. Prayer brings comfort and strength. Simple living can free us from stress and distractions. Studying God’s Word gives us wisdom, and service connects us to others and makes life meaningful.
The Kingdom of God: Not Just a Future Dream, But a Present Reality
Jesus talked about “The Kingdom Not of This World”—a way of living based on truth, love, and God’s presence (see John 18:36–37). This isn’t just a distant hope. It’s something we can experience now, by practicing the same habits Jesus did. These activities don’t earn us God’s love—they help us receive it and live it out.
The Struggle: Why Don’t We Practice These More?
History and culture have made things complicated. Sometimes faith is seen as only an inward feeling or a set of beliefs, not something that actually changes how we live. We might think that “grace” means we don’t have to do anything, or that “spiritual disciplines” are outdated. But that’s not how Jesus lived—and it’s not what he taught.
Real change comes when we connect God’s grace to our everyday actions. There’s a deep longing in all of us to live with purity and power, to be the kind of person our hearts tell us we should be. The good news is, Jesus’ way of life gives us practical steps to get there.
Bringing Jesus’ Practices into Our Daily Lives
What if our churches and communities became “academies of life”—places where we learn together how to live like Jesus? What if everyone, not just a few, made their daily work and relationships into opportunities to meet God? This isn’t just wishful thinking. As we practice solitude, prayer, simplicity, study, and service, we can become people who carry Christ’s love and truth into every part of the world.
Conclusion: Let’s Take the First Step
The world needs spiritual heroes—people who live with courage, faith, and love. These habits aren’t just for the “super spiritual.” They’re for all of us. Let’s take Jesus’ way seriously. Let’s build lives and communities centered on these simple, powerful practices. As we do, we’ll find ourselves constantly renewed by a Kingdom that’s real, present, and transforming—right here, right now.
Minister A Francine Green
December 2025
afrancinegreen.com 