As long as we live on this earth, we are constantly being shaped—not only by our parents but also by the culture that shaped them. Even those who seek a life formed by God feel the powerful pull of a hurried, stressed world that demands instant gratification and elevates self-interest over God and others. In Colombia, there is a saying: “A sleeping crocodile is carried away by the current.” This reminds us that even the strongest must actively resist external forces to avoid being swept away. Similarly, in a world that draws us away from God and kingdom values, we must make an intentional effort to be shaped by Christ. One of the best tools for this intentionality is adopting a Rule of Life.

A Rule of Life is a personal framework designed to help you follow Jesus, become like Him, and live as He did. It is not a rigid set of rules but a thoughtfully crafted plan of habits, practices, commitments, and rhythms that create space for God’s transforming work in your life, shaping you into His image. Like a daily schedule organizes time or a budget prioritizes finances, a Rule of Life organizes your routines and aligns them with your deepest desire: to grow, love, and live as a disciple of Jesus. This intentional approach helps you resist the busyness, distraction, and exhaustion that can keep you from a life of peace and purpose in Christ. By slowing down, setting boundaries, and adopting holistic practices, a Rule of Life draws you closer to Jesus and protects against influences that pull you away from Him.

In reality, everyone already has a “way of life”—a pattern of habits, routines, and relationships. But the crucial question is: "Does your current way of life align with your desire to grow in Christ?" A Rule of Life helps you make conscious choices about how to spend your time, energy, and resources, guiding you toward God’s purposes and true peace, even amidst a hurried world. When making choices, a helpful question to ask is: "Does this draw me closer to God or away from Him?"

Choosing to live by a Rule of Life is a deliberate step toward resisting cultural pressures and distractions. It is a commitment to live intentionally, keeping Jesus at the center. As John Mark Comer writes: “We must arrange our days—our morning routines, our daily habits, our schedules and budgets and relationships, the entire webs of our lives—so that we are deeply enjoying everyday life with God. This will require most of us not only to arrange our days, but also to rearrange our days—from the hurry, digital addiction, and chronic exhaustion that we’ve been conditioned to believe is normal when, in reality, it’s truly insane.”

While most people plan for finances, schedules, and goals, few have a plan to truly apprentice under Jesus. A Rule of Life provides such a plan, enabling you to structure your life to be with Jesus, learn from Him, and live in His way. It is a holistic framework for living intentionally with Christ at the center. While it includes daily spiritual disciplines like prayer, Bible study, and worship, it extends far beyond these practices to encompass all areas of life. Recognizing that we are whole beings—spiritual, relational, mental, emotional, and physical—a Rule of Life addresses each aspect with thoughtful care to experience the abundant life Jesus promises (John 10:10).

Importantly, a Rule of Life acknowledges the limitations and fragility of being human. It is not about striving for perfection or overextending ourselves but about honoring our whole being by stewarding it in ways that lead to shalom—God’s peace and wholeness. This includes creating rhythms that allow for rest, renewal, and balance while aligning our lives with God’s design.

This framework fosters meaningful relationships by prioritizing connections with family, friends, and community. It nurtures mental health through habits like reflection, journaling and positive self-talk. It supports emotional well-being through practices like gratitude, forgiveness, and emotional awareness. It also cares for physical health through rest, exercise, and nourishing the body through a healthy diet.

In essence, a Rule of Life integrates all aspects of our humanity into a rhythm that honors our God-given design and keeps us rooted in Christ. It is not a rigid set of rules but a dynamic way to remain grounded in Him while stewarding every dimension of our lives for His glory and our flourishing.