Seven Scripture Nuggets for True Christian Living
By Dr. Wole Olarinde
There are foundational scriptures that are essential to true Christian living. These fundamental truths, carefully researched from the Scriptures and explained in this teaching as scripture nuggets, provide guidance for every genuine believer on how to live a sincere and evidence-based Christian life. They move us beyond mere indoctrinated profession of Christianity to a life that reflects Christ in daily conduct.
Let us now study seven scripture nuggets for true Christian living, which I divinely and diligently studied from the Scriptures to aid believers in manifesting authentic Christianity—not merely by confession, but by proof through daily living.
Nugget #1: Proverbs 4:23
“Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life.”
True Christian living begins with absolute control over the heart. The heart is the command center of human life—it is the source from which actions, words, and decisions flow. A believer worthy of the name “Christian” must conquer the heart by submitting it to the control and dictates of the Holy Spirit.
One undeniable proof of true Christianity is the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. You cannot genuinely claim to be a Christian without evidence of the Spirit’s presence and influence in your life. When the heart is subdued and surrendered to the Holy Spirit, Christian growth becomes inevitable. Since the heart initiates all daily activities, Scripture instructs us to guard it diligently, lest it lead us into actions contrary to true Christian living.
Nugget #2: James 3:6
“And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity: so is the tongue among our members, that it defileth the whole body, and setteth on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire of hell.”
True Christian living demands careful control of the tongue and its destructive potential. Scripture describes the tongue as a fire capable of defiling the entire body and igniting destructive consequences. James further explains that although the tongue is a small member, it boasts of great things (James 3:5), and concludes that no human being can tame it, describing it as “an unruly evil, full of deadly poison” (James 3:8).
These descriptions are clearly contrary to the purity and calmness required in Christian living. Therefore, a true Christian must subject the tongue to the control of the Holy Spirit. Controlled speech—seasoned with grace—is a visible mark of authentic Christian character.
Nugget #3: Psalm 66:18
“If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear me.”
True Christian living flees from iniquity and even its appearances, recognizing that iniquity hinders God’s response to prayer. Scripture teaches that God’s eyes are too pure to behold iniquity. Isaiah 59:1–2 further clarifies this truth:
“Behold, the Lord’s hand is not shortened, that it cannot save; neither his ear heavy, that it cannot hear. But your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid his face from you, that he will not hear.”
Iniquity represents the inward corruption of the heart that eventually manifests as sinful behavior. Once again, the heart becomes central to true Christian living. A heart fortified daily with the Word of God resists iniquity. As the Psalmist declared:
“Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.” (Psalm 119:11)
Thus, true Christian living is rooted in a heart saturated with God’s Word.
Nugget #4: Romans 8:13–14
“For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live. For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.”
True Christian living involves a continual battle against the flesh. Living according to the dictates of the flesh leads to spiritual death, while yielding to the Holy Spirit produces life. Mortification of the flesh is not achieved by human strength, but through the empowering grace of the Holy Spirit.
Those who consistently submit to the Spirit’s leading demonstrate their identity as true sons and daughters of God. A Spirit-led life is therefore a defining characteristic of genuine Christian living.
Nugget #5: Hebrews 12:14
“Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord.”
True Christian living actively pursues peace and holiness. Peace governs our relationships with others, while holiness reflects our relationship with God. These two virtues are non-negotiable requirements for those who desire eternal fellowship with the Lord.
A Christianity that neglects peace, embraces bitterness, or compromises holiness is deficient. Genuine believers are called to live peaceably while maintaining spiritual purity.
Nugget #6: Matthew 6:33
“But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.”
True Christian living is driven by correct priorities. The kingdom of God and His righteousness must take precedence over material pursuits and earthly anxieties. When God occupies first place in a believer’s life, divine provision follows naturally.
Seeking God first realigns our desires and frees us from unnecessary worry, ensuring that our lives remain God-centered rather than need-driven.
Nugget #7: Philippians 4:8
“Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.”
True Christian living includes disciplined thought life. What occupies the mind ultimately shapes character and behavior. God commands believers to deliberately focus on what is true, pure, virtuous, and praiseworthy.
A renewed mind safeguards the believer from moral corruption and spiritual decline. Christian maturity is revealed not only by external actions but by the quality of one’s thoughts.
Conclusion
These seven scripture nuggets offer a solid biblical framework for true Christian living. Christianity is not merely a title or a confession—it is a life governed by the Holy Spirit, controlled in heart, speech, conduct, priorities, and thoughts. May these truths guide us into a life that truly reflects Christ.
