If you are then “risen” with Christ, reach out for the highest gifts of Heaven, where your master reigns in power. Give your heart to the heavenly things, not to the passing things of earth. For, as far as this world is concerned, you are already dead, and your true life is a hidden one in Christ. One day, Christ, the secret centre of our lives, will show himself openly, and you will all share in that magnificent moment.

Colossians 3:1-2 (Phillips)

 

The Apostle Paul instructs us to identify with Christ so that everything He has obtained for us through His finished work becomes ours through faith. This is the essence of living a Christ-centered life, in which we no longer live for ourselves but for the one who died for us and is now alive in and through us.

Self-focus prevents you from being Christ-centered.

When believers are self-centred, they are unable to look beyond their own interests to consider the bigger picture of their lives. Their faith is focused on being happy and feeling good, rather than having a personal relationship with Christ through life's ups and downs. This is why, when bad things happen, they are easily shaken because they do not understand their identity and security in Christ.

If you want to stay strong, avoid distractions. Instead, begin to feast on "heavenly things" that will sustain and strengthen your faith. Because you are in Christ and seated with Christ, you have already received all of God's promises. Such a revelation will transform your prayer life, reigniting your passion for God and your relationship with Him.

When you build your Christian life on the truth of who you are and what you have in Christ, you will never say another meaningless prayer or entertain a false belief about yourself. This paves the way for true freedom and authentic living, in which you become so heavenly minded that you are full of earthly goodness.