The only way that Christianity can become truly meaningful is for us to incorporate it into our daily activities. The idea of a once-a-week, or once-a-month religion is unheard of in God’s word. As the people of Israel gathered manna in the wilderness one day at a time, so also the Christian must live for Jesus one day at a time (Ex. 16:4).
Jesus said, “If anyone wishes to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me” (Lk. 9:23). Each day presents new challenges for us to face for the cause of Christ. Before we can effectively face these challenges, we must resolve to give the Lord first place in everything (Col. 1:18; Mt. 6:33). Taking up the cross of Jesus involves more than carrying a miniature cross around our neck or having its emblem tattooed on our body. Taking up the cross of Christ means that we will take our stand with Jesus and live for the One who died on our behalf (2 Cor. 5:14-15). It means that we will hold up the cross every day by showing the world what it means to live for Jesus. When this becomes a consistent part of our daily lives, faith in Jesus will have become a truly meaningful experience that will influence the lives of those around us.
Fuel for daily Christian living is supplied in the manna of God’s word. Overcoming spiritual obstacles and hindrances is impossible for those who are spiritually malnourished. The Bible commends the Christians at Berea, saying that they “were more noble-minded than those at Thessalonica, for they received the word of God with great eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily, to see whether these things were so” (Acts 17:11). May we be so noble-minded as they in searching the Scriptures daily and relying on God’s wisdom and strength for help in daily Christian living.