Your life is constantly in a tug of war. Which side is your life standing on now?

Are you passively allowing your life to be killed, stolen, destroyed, and bound in darkness by the Thief, feeling helplessly stuck with a yoke of slavery?
Or are you fully alive in Christ, embracing the freedom, rest, and peace for which He sacrificed Himself?
The truth is if you are in Christ, the choice is yours. "It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery (Galatians 5:1)."
Here are some baby steps to pivot from a life being killed, stolen, and destroyed by the Thief, to living in Christ in freedom, rest, and peace.
#1. Claim the power of choice
In our slumber, we unknowingly give permissions to allow people and circumstances to influence or even control us, without filtering or thinking with intentionality. We let time slip by in this default mode of passivity, only to wake up one day and realize we’ve become a version of ourselves we regret, with precious time already behind us.
Break free from this passive default mode by claiming the power of choice. Shift from passivity to taking ownership of your life.
#2. Envision the best version of yourself that you’d be proud of one, three, or five years from now.
If you don’t already have one, start a journal. Describe the best version of yourself that you’d be proud of in one, three, or five years. Then, from where you are now, outline the changes needed to reach that future self and break them down into measurable goals to work toward.
#3. Take every thought captive
Actively identify and address harmful or untrue thoughts, replacing them with truths that align with God’s promises and wisdom, making them obedient to Christ (2 Corinthians 10:5).
Install a lie-detector in your mind to recognize lies that discourage, limit, or distort your identity and purpose, and challenging them with truth.
For example, when thoughts like "I am not enough", or "I do not deserve to be loved" arise, we counter it with the truth of God's love and purpose for us, such as "I am fearfully and wonderfully made" (Psalm 139:14).
By intentionally filling our minds with affirming and truthful thoughts, we not only counter negativity but also build a mindset rooted in resilience, peace, and confidence in Christ’s love. This process requires vigilance and a willingness to confront our thought patterns, allowing us to experience freedom from the lies that might otherwise hold us captive.
#4. Guard your heart
Guarding your heart is essential for maintaining a life centered in God’s truth and love. Proverbs 4:23 emphasizes, "Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it."
Your state of heart affects your thoughts, actions, and ultimately, your spiritual health. Be mindful of what you allow into your mind and soul, whether through relationships, media, or inner thoughts.
Philippians 4:7 encourages us that the “peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus,” reminding us that God’s peace is a powerful protector when we place our trust in Him.
Additionally, in Psalm 51:10, David prays, “Create in me a pure heart, O God,” showing that guarding our hearts also involves seeking God’s help in purifying our desires and motives. By cultivating awareness, seeking God’s truth, and leaning on His guidance, we can protect our hearts from influences that lead us astray and nurture a life rooted in faith, integrity, and peace.
#5. Live with purpose
Know God's make of us. He created you for a divine purpose. Align your actions and goals with a meaningful vision that goes beyond daily tasks, focusing instead on long-term fulfillment and impact that is aligned with God's purposes upon your life.
Having a sense of purpose provides direction and motivation, helping you prioritize what truly matters and resist distractions or pressures that don’t contribute to your goals.
As described in Proverbs 19:21, "Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails," which highlights that God’s purpose for our lives often goes beyond our personal plans.
Living with purpose also brings resilience, as we recognize that setbacks are part of a larger journey and not the end of the story. When we orient our lives toward a purpose rooted in love, service, or faith, we find greater satisfaction and a sense of peace, knowing that each step contributes to a fulfilling life that impacts others in meaningful ways.
#6. Audit your relationships
Be intentional to assess which connections in your life are healthy and constructive and which are draining or toxic.
By choosing to keep close only those who genuinely uplift, encourage, and respect you, you create an environment where you can thrive.
As Proverbs 13:20 says, "Walk with the wise and become wise, for a companion of fools suffers harm."
This wisdom reminds us that the people we surround ourselves with profoundly influence our mindset, choices, and well-being.
Toxic relationships, on the other hand, often act as "thieves," depleting our energy and self-worth, and hindering our growth.
When you stay mindful of these dynamics and choose wisely, you protect your emotional and spiritual health, making room for relationships that inspire you to grow, build you up, cultivate positivity, and walk in your purpose.
#7. Audit your use of time
Time is a precious resource that once spent, cannot be reclaimed. Ephesians 5:15-16 encourages, "Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil."
Therefore, be intentional, focus on activities that align with God’s purpose for our lives rather than wasting time on distractions or pursuits that don’t contribute to spiritual growth. Identify the subtle time-wasters, such as social media, mindless browsing on the internet, shopping etc..
Psalm 90:12, “Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom." Each day is an opportunity to grow, serve, and connect with God.
By prioritizing time with God, serving others, and pursuing personal growth, we cultivate a purposeful life that reflects Christ’s love. Regularly auditing our use of time helps us let go of activities that drain us and commit to those that help us live abundantly and joyfully in Christ’s calling.
#8. Audit your energy flow
Auditing your energy flow is essential for maximizing productivity and well-being, as not all tasks require the same type of focus or energy, and not all people or environments contribute positively to your energy levels.
Effective energy management means identifying activities, relationships, and even times of day that drain you and structuring your schedule around your natural energy patterns. For example, if you feel most energized in the morning, allocate that time for tasks that require deep focus or creativity. Conversely, reserve low-energy periods for less intensive work.
By recognizing what invigorates versus what depletes you, you can be intentional about minimizing energy-draining activities and people, leaving more bandwidth for work, relationships, and practices that contribute to your growth and goals. This approach enables you to work in harmony with your energy levels rather than against them, making it easier to stay motivated, productive, and fulfilled.
#9. Prioritize your fellowship time with Jesus
Prioritizing fellowship time with Jesus is essential for restoring and deepening our relationship with Him, which is foundational to living a fulfilled life. Jesus reminds us in John 15:4, "Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself unless it abides in the vine, neither can you unless you abide in Me."
Attaining the fullest in life is only possible through our full surrender to Jesus as our Lord of life. He is the way, the truth, and the life, there is no other name and no other path (John 14:6, Acts 4:12). A life fully surrendered to Jesus cannot be stolen by the Evil One.
By spending intentional time with Christ—through prayer, worship, and studying His Word—we draw from His strength and wisdom, allowing us to flourish spiritually and emotionally. Restoring this relationship aligns our desires with His, filling us with peace, purpose, and resilience to face life’s challenges.
Matthew 6:33 also encourages, "Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you." When we make fellowship with Christ a priority, He empowers us to live abundantly, directing our lives with clarity and filling our hearts with the fullness only He can provide.
#10. Audit your input
Auditing your input is crucial for protecting your mind and heart from influences that don’t contribute positively to your growth. The content we consume—from news to music to entertainment—inevitably shapes our thoughts, values, and attitudes.
Philippians 4:8 encourages us to focus on "whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable." This verse reminds us to prioritize content that builds us up rather than distracts or drains us.
For example, obsessing over romance movies or getting overly invested in political news can distort our perspectives and create unrealistic expectations or heightened stress. Instead, filling our minds with sources that encourage learning, skill-building, and spiritual growth helps us stay grounded and aligned with our values.
By being mindful of our input, we protect our peace and cultivate a mindset focused on truth and personal development.
Putting it all together
To live purposefully in Christ, we must be diligent in guarding our thoughts, hearts, time, and energy, ensuring they are aligned with God’s truth and purpose. Rather than passively allowing the evil one to steal, kill, and destroy the gifts we’ve been given, we are called to take every thought captive (2 Corinthians 10:5) and intentionally focus on what builds us up in Christ. This means actively choosing paths that draw us closer to God, cultivating a life that reflects His love, purpose, and power. In pursuing the best version of ourselves through His guidance, we can experience the fulfillment of our dreams and desires in ways that glorify Him and enrich our lives. Living with this intentionality not only brings peace and strength but also shines as a testament to God's transformative work within us.
Have you ever felt that your life has been stolen—caught up in cycles that drain your joy or keep you from living fully in Christ? Maybe you’re struggling to experience the abundant life He promised or finding it difficult to break free from patterns that hold you back. You’re not alone, and sharing our journeys can be a powerful way to support each other. What steps or practices have helped you walk in Christ's fullness? Are there insights or routines you rely on to strengthen your faith or protect your peace? I’d love to hear what’s worked for you or any questions you might have as we pursue a purposeful, Christ-centered life together.
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© 2024 Copyrighted Material. All rights reserved by Joanna Ng
Taking walks without distractions is helpful, although listening to an audio Bible is a good way to combine activities. But for me it increases the potential for phone distractions, so I try to read or listen to the Bible prior. Heading out for a morning walk shortly.