Living the boring life

The notion of “breaking the rules” and “living life your own way” is often celebrated as a path to happiness and fulfillment in contemporary culture. It is a call to go against the grain of normalcy and focus on individual desires and goals, which can appear liberating and and antidote to a boring life. However, from a Christian perspective, this worldview presents significant challenges, particularly when viewed through the lens of biblical teachings.

The way individuals make choices reflects their perspective on life, especially regarding its purpose and ultimate end. For example, it makes sense to "break the rules" and "live life your way" if the assumption is that this life is all there is, pursuing maximum enjoyment and satisfaction becomes a logical goal. However, the Christian perspective is different. It is one that places value on the eternal life promised by Jesus Christ. This eternal perspective will shape decisions and behaviours in ways that prioritize God’s will over momentary pleasures - which may be interpreted as "boring" and "too conformed" by current "you were born to be happy" and "you only live once" standards.

The biblical view calls believers to align their lives with God’s Word, even when such adherence appears “boring” or restrictive to the world. This “boring” life, however, is anything but mundane in its purpose and rewards. Living inside God's will leads Christians demonstrate faith in practice, valuing what is eternal over what is ephemeral. This is not a denial of enjoyment in life but the grounding of desires and actions on the solid foundation of God’s love and truth.

This is not to say that adventurousness and daring are always at odds with Christian living. In fact, pursuing challenges and experiencing the richness of life can be valuable, provided they align with God’s Word. Christians are called to steward their lives in ways that reflect God’s grace and wisdom. It is when adventurousness leads to behaviours that contradict God’s will that one risks sacrificing eternal joy for the fleeting satisfaction of dreams, goals and bucket lists.

An illustration from the realm of professional sports captures this dynamic well. Consider a professional athlete who is tempted to cheat in a game for immediate gain—perhaps fame, financial reward, or recognition. Such a decision might bring temporary success, but it ultimately jeopardizes the athlete’s long-term career and reputation. Similarly, Christian living calls for integrity and patience, trusting that eternal rewards far outweigh immediate gratification.

Another example comes from parenting. Fathers and mothers often face situations where they must deny their children’s immediate desires to protect their well-being and nurture their long-term development. Allowing a child to indulge in harmful behaviours for short-term happiness usually generates regrets in the future. Similarly, following God’s Word, though sometimes challenging to follow, safeguards His children and lead them toward eternal fulfillment.

That doesn't come without its challenges. Self-denial and being at with societal norms and expecations can certainly come with the bundle. Yet, it is also deeply rewarding, both spiritually and practically. It strengthens faith, fosters peace, and reflects the goal of living life united with God both in this life and for eternity.

The Bible provides numerous examples of individuals who chose the “boring” path of obedience to God, even in difficult circumstances. Abraham left his homeland in trust and obedience to God’s promise. Moses forsook the privileges of Pharaoh’s court to lead God’s people through the wilderness. Above all, Jesus exemplified perfect obedience, even to the point of death on the cross. Their lives were not marked by momentary joy only but by faithfulness, constancy and blessings.

Living the boring Christian life challenges the cultural narrative of self-centred happiness and points to a life shaped by God’s eternal promises. Christians prioritize the life to come over temporary gains when they conflict with it, trusting in the wisdom and goodness of God’s will. In the end, the question is not whether they will experience happiness but how they define and pursue it. True joy, according to Christian teaching, is found in living a life that reflects God’s eternal purpose, even when it appears “boring” by the standards of the world.

For as much as Christians enjoy life and take pleasure in it, their are not called to break the rules intentionally, nor to "live life their own way." As we know from Galatians 2:20, "It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me". 

This is a life that may be boring; but is is secure, filled with joy, and eternal.