I have a life verse. My children, our older grandchildren and my close friends know it. It’s Matthew 5:16. “In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”
This verse reminds me that I can bring God glory by how I live. But the inverse is also true. By not living virtuously, I can actually rob God of the praise he would have received.
A life verse is generally a reminder of who God wants you to be. It’s much like a personal mission statement, but God has written this one. Here are some examples of life verses others have chosen and why I believe they’ve chosen them. (Perhaps you’ll find one for yourself, or share yours with us.) “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!” 2 Corinthians 5:17
This was actually my first life verse thirty years ago. I chose it because I wanted to remind myself that the “old Clare” died and God had created a new spirit within me. I was God’s new creation, so live like it!
“For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 8:38-39
This was the life verse of an older Christian I knew, who wanted to be reminded, that in spite of her sin, God would always love her.
“I can do all this through him who gives me strength.” Philippians 4:13
A Christian woman who struggled with self-doubt, chose this verse to remind her that her hope lies in Christ, not herself.
“’For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.’” Jeremiah 29:11
God knows the plans he has for us, but he does not say, we have to know them. This life verse is a reminder that God is in control, even when life feels out of control.
“Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked or stand in the way that sinners take or sit in the company of mockers, but whose delight is in the law of the Lord, and who meditates on his law day and night. That person is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither— whatever they do prospers.” Psalm 1:1-3
These verses remind another friend of mine of two truths; the source of wisdom (from meditating on God’s Word) and how bad company weakens the resolve of the righteous. It ends with a wonderful picture, a tree, full of fruit. He thinks about that tree, every time he recites this verse.
“Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, love for the Father is not in them. For everything in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—comes not from the Father but from the world. The world and its desires pass away, but whoever does the will of God lives forever.” 1 John 2:15-17
At first glance, this is an odd life verse. But an older, deeply spiritual man, now with God, chose it to remind him of the three things that could trip him up as a follower of Jesus. I’m guessing it was the last verse that was his real life verse. “The man of God who does the will of God, lives forever.”
The beginning of a new year, is a great time to think about a verse that will remind you of the believer you want to be. If you have one, or chose one, share it with your family. It may inspire them to choose a life verse of their own. Here’s my last favorite life verse that has guided many families for generations!
“But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord.” Joshua 24:15b
Do you have a life verse? Please share it with us and the reason you chose it.
How following Jesus works in real life.
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