Scriptures that Feel Like Cheat Codes for a Christ-Centered Life I Know at 45 That I Wish I Knew at 35

Our older selves are often wiser when we’ve grown in faith.

At 35, I was self-centered and lost. At 45 I’ve come a long way through God’s grace. Some of the best lessons we can share come from the advice we’d give our younger selves about following Christ.

Here are my cheat codes for a Christ-centered life based on what I have learned from scripture. I will likely expand on each of the lessons listed below as an individual topic in the future. Use them to grow in faith and purpose.

1. Rejection in the world often means you’re on the right path with Christ. “If the world hates you, know that it has hated me before it hated you.” – John 15:18 (ESV)
2. Busyness can be a distraction from what truly matters. “But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” – Matthew 6:33 (ESV)
3. The world wants conformity, but Christ calls us to be set apart. “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind.” – Romans 12:2 (ESV)
4. Work as if working for the Lord, not for human masters. “Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men.” – Colossians 3:23 (ESV)
5. How we treat others, especially those society deems ‘least’, reflects our heart. “And the King will answer them, ‘Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.'” – Matthew 25:40 (ESV)
6. True wealth is found in Christ, not in worldly possessions. “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” – Matthew 6:21 (ESV)
7. Children are a blessing from the Lord. “Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord, the fruit of the womb a reward.” – Psalm 127:3 (ESV)
8. Carrying your cross daily is part of following Christ. “And he said to all, ‘If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.'” – Luke 9:23 (ESV)
9. Compete against your old self, not others, as you grow in Christ. “But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.” – 2 Peter 3:18 (ESV)
10. True friendship is rooted in Christ’s love. “Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends.” – John 15:13 (ESV)
11. Let your communication reflect Christ. “Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person.” – Colossians 4:6 (ESV)
12. Trials produce perseverance and maturity in faith. “Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness.” – James 1:2-3 (ESV)
13. Rest in the Lord amidst life’s busyness. “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” – Matthew 11:28 (ESV)
14. Build relationships on the foundation of Christ’s love. “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another.” – John 13:34 (ESV)
15. Trust in the Lord’s guidance when you don’t know the way. “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding.” – Proverbs 3:5 (ESV)
16. Humility is key in following Christ. “Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will exalt you.” – James 4:10 (ESV)
17. Seek God’s will for your life through prayer and scripture. “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.” – Jeremiah 29:11 (ESV)
18. Focus on Christ above all else. “But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” – Matthew 6:33 (ESV)
19. Let your light shine before others. “In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.” – Matthew 5:16 (ESV)
20. Cherish the moments God gives you. “This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.” – Psalm 118:24 (ESV)
21. Cultivate a heart of gratitude towards God. “Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” – 1 Thessalonians 5:18 (ESV)
22. Die to self and live for Christ. “I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me.” – Galatians 2:20 (ESV)
23. See every interaction as an opportunity to share Christ’s love. “Walk in wisdom toward outsiders, making the best use of the time.” – Colossians 4:5 (ESV)
24. Seek truth in God’s word, not in self-deception. “And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” – John 8:32 (ESV)
25. Remember that all have sinned and fall short of God’s glory. “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” – Romans 3:23 (ESV)
26. Prioritize your spiritual family in Christ. “For whoever does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother and sister and mother.” – Matthew 12:50 (ESV)
27. Seek first the kingdom of God, not worldly success. “But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” – Matthew 6:33 (ESV)
28. Embrace the refining process of trials. “In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials.” – 1 Peter 1:6 (ESV)
29. Trust in God’s timing for change and growth. “He has made everything beautiful in its time.” – Ecclesiastes 3:11 (ESV)
30. Continually renew your mind in Christ. “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind.” – Romans 12:2 (ESV)
31. Find freedom in Christ, not in worldly independence. “For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery.” – Galatians 5:1 (ESV)
32. Step out in faith, trusting God’s provision. “And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him.” – Hebrews 11:6 (ESV)
33. Surrender your life fully to Christ. “Then Jesus told his disciples, ‘If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.'” – Matthew 16:24 (ESV)
34. Live with eternal perspective. “Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth.” – Colossians 3:2 (ESV)
35. Build your life on the solid foundation of Christ. “Everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock.” – Matthew 7:24 (ESV)
36. Dream big, aligned with God’s will for your life. “Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us.” – Ephesians 3:20 (ESV)

I continuously return to these scripture truths as cheat codes that keep me aligned with Christ.

Share which resonates most with where you’re at in your walk. Remember, these scriptures are not just words to read but truths to live by. As you meditate on them, may the Holy Spirit guide you into a deeper understanding and application of God’s word in your life.

If you are new to applying scripture to your life, use these truths as a starting point for your faith journey. Dive deeper into the Scriptures, seek wisdom from mature believers, and, most importantly, cultivate a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. For in Him, we find not just life hacks but life itself.

“I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.” – John 10:10 (ESV)

May your walk with Christ be enriched as you apply these truths to your life.