The way of life (part 1)

“God forbid that I should boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world”. – Galatians 6:14

Introduction

One of the greatest struggles of the Christian life is learning how to live fully for God while navigating a world filled with temptations, distractions, pressures, and competing loyalties. Every day, we are confronted with choices—choices that shape our character, our spiritual growth, and ultimately, our destiny. The Christian journey is not simply about avoiding wrongdoing; it is about choosing the way of life that honours God and reflects His love.

Apostle Paul reminds us in Romans 14:7–12 that none of us lives to ourselves and none of us dies to ourselves. Whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord. Each of us will one day give an account of our lives before God. This truth places great responsibility on how we live, how we respond to temptation, and how we treat our relationship with God. Our faith is personal, but it is never private in its consequences.

Galatians 6:14 further emphasises where the Christian’s true allegiance lies. Paul declares that he boasts in nothing except the cross of Jesus Christ, through which the world has been crucified to him and he to the world. In other words, Paul had reached a place where the values, pleasures, and temptations of the world no longer controlled him, because his heart was fully captured by Christ.

This is what it means to walk in the way to life—to live in such a way that Christ becomes the centre of our desires, decisions, and devotion.

The pain of sin

Whenever we become entangled in sin, our first response should not be excuses, blame-shifting, or indifference. Instead, it should be grief and genuine remorse—not only because we have broken God’s law, but because we have wounded God’s heart. Sin is not merely the breaking of rules; it is the breaking of relationship.

Many people think of sin only in terms of personal consequences—how it affects their reputation, their finances, or their peace of mind. But Scripture teaches us that sin also affects God. When we say yes to sin, we grieve the Holy Spirit and dishonour the One who loves us deeply. Our choices matter to God because we matter to God.

True repentance is not simply saying, “I am sorry I was caught,” or “I regret the consequences.” True repentance flows from a heart that recognises, “I have hurt the One who loves me.” This kind of sorrow leads us back to God, not away from Him. It humbles us, softens our hearts, and restores our fellowship with Him.

This is why Scripture consistently calls us to be quick to repent. God does not desire to condemn us but to restore us. His mercy is always available, but it must be met with humility and a willingness to turn away from what displeases Him.

Who is the boss of your life?

When temptation comes—and it surely will—one of the most powerful questions we can ask ourselves is: Who is the boss of my life?

If Jesus Christ truly reigns as Lord over our hearts, then our desire to participate in things that do not reflect God’s nature will gradually lose their grip on us. This does not happen overnight, but over time, as we grow in intimacy with Christ, our appetites change. What once excited us begins to lose its appeal. What once seemed harmless begins to trouble our conscience.

Lordship is not just about what we say with our lips; it is about what we surrender with our lives. When Christ is truly Lord, we no longer ask, “How close can I get to sin without crossing the line?” Instead, we ask, “How can I live in a way that pleases God?”

This shift in mindset is evidence of spiritual maturity. It shows that our relationship with God is not based on fear of punishment but on love and reverence. We want to obey, not because we are forced to, but because we are grateful.

By Rev. Dr Joyce Aryee

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