Life Ordered to Christ

What does it mean to live a life ordered to Christ?

The phrase itself contains two essential keys: order and Christ. And as simple as it sounds, it’s surprisingly easy to miss the mark on one—or both—of these.

First, let’s consider the person who gets the “order” part right but not the “to Christ.”

This is the person who has mastered discipline. They can stick to a strict diet, wake up at 5 a.m. to hit the gym, and knock out their to-do list with precision. But here’s the catch: the why behind their discipline is off. Their life may be ordered, but it’s not ordered to Christ. Their efforts are directed at self-improvement, image, or achievement, rather than holiness or God’s glory. They’re missing the ultimate goal—Christ Himself.

Then there’s the opposite case: the person who believes in Jesus, loves Him, and hopes He’ll swoop in to save the day, but lacks order. They float along without discipline, without habits that foster growth, and without the structure needed to overcome sin and cultivate virtue. Yes, God’s grace is essential—but are we cooperating with it? Are we doing our part? A life of faith also calls us to action: rooting out vice, building good habits, and establishing a prayer life.

And, of course, there’s the third possibility: a life without order and without Christ. No direction, no discipline, and no faith. If you’re reading this, I’m willing to bet that’s not you. But the question still remains:

Are we truly living a life ordered to Christ?

Take a moment to reflect. Where are we falling short? Is our discipline focused on worldly goals instead of heavenly ones? Are we relying on faith without putting in the effort to grow? Or have we neglected both, letting life drift along without intention?

If something’s missing, let’s be honest about it. And let’s ask for the grace to reorient our lives—to live with discipline, purpose, and a heart set on Christ.

Because a life ordered to Christ is the only life that leads to true peace and joy.