What is a life code, and why you should consider writing one— plus a free resource to get started
We all have our codes, like….
- Area code
- Zip code
- Passcode
- Dress code
- Code of conduct
- Code of law
- Morse code
If you are a doctor, you have the Hippocratic Oath, a code of ethics for all physicians.
If you served in our Armed Forces (or are a part of a family with someone who serves/served), the Military code of ethics likely influences you and your decisions.
Or, maybe you’ve been inspired by some of the historic codes of literature or philosophy like the Stoics, the medieval knights or the samurai.
But perhaps the idea of a “life code” does not seem applicable to you. Then consider these:
“Family first.”
“Work hard, play hard.”
“Always look out for number one.”
“Eat and drink for tomorrow we die.”
“Live like you are dying.”
“Always behave like someone is watching.”
“Leave the world better than you found it.”
Aren’t all of these statements codes in one way or another?
In its simplest form, a code is a system of values that governs how we live. And if you stop to think about it, we are all operating out of some kind of code. It may be lurking under the surface, but our “codes” shape decisions like how to spend our money and time, how we treat others, and how we act when no one is looking.
So, if you are a Christian, you might be wondering about now if there is a Christian code or a code of conduct we are all to follow. Certainly, the Bible gives us examples: the Ten Commandments and the Golden Rule to “treat others as you would like to be treated.” Paul wrote in 1 Corinthians 13 only three things endure: faith, hope, and love. But the greatest of these is love.
In Matthew’s gospel, a religious leader, described as a lawyer, asked Jesus a question to test him, saying, “Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?”
Jesus answered, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment.”
“And the second is like it: Love your neighbor as yourself.” Then He added: “All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.” (Matthew 22: 34-40).
Jesus distilled the great purpose of our lives down to these two simple commandments— a “code” if you will. We have the privilege of working out what this looks like in our own context and lives.
So, what is your code? And does your life match what you claim?
Writing these things down can be helpful, so that when the time comes—and it will— and you need to make life-altering decisions, you already know what matters most. Your code, either for yourself or your family, is going to guide you in life’s big and monumental decisions because it is the same code that already guides how you act in the small, daily moments.
This is my code:
- To see, love and serve others (Colossians 3:12-15, John 13:34-35, Romans 12:6-8)
- To live a life worthy of the calling to which I have been called in Christ. (Galatians 5:19-21, 1 Corinthians 6:12-20, Colossians 3:5-9)
- To do everything with the mind and spirit of Christ. Maintaining the highest ethical standards in every arena of life because there is not one square inch over which Christ does not say, “Mine.” (1 Timothy 3:1-7, Titus 3:2-7)
- To be a living demonstration of the Kingdom of God in the midst of every place and space in the world. (1 Timothy 4:12, 1 Thessalonians 4:7, Acts 1:8, John 20:21)
- To think as Christ; I will speak as Christ; I will work as Christ; I will love as Christ; I will live as Christ. Forsaking all others, be faithful unto Him.
For another example, I spoke with Dave Hatag from Edgerton Gear about his book, The Craftsman Code. He offers some value statements to guide individuals in their work and life, including:
- “I am not the center of the universe.”
- “I do not know everything, nor nearly as much as I think I do.”
- “Pay is a reward for my efforts, but not my main motivation.”
The world around us will always offer competing codes, but when our life and aim flow from God’s Word, our direction is sure. So pause today and consider: What’s the code you live by—and does it reflect the heart of Christ?
If you are wondering where to start, use this one-page resource to work out a life code.
Listen to the entire podcast episode with Dave for more inspiration:
