A rule of life is a set of practices that orders our days around what matters most. For the Christian, that means ordering life around Christ and His kingdom. The shortness of life, the reality of hell, and the hope of heaven all demand a disciplined response. We cannot float through life and expect to finish well.

The Bible does not give one detailed rule for everyone. It gives principles: pray without ceasing, meditate on Scripture, gather with the church, love your neighbor, do good, share the gospel, and keep watch. Each person must translate these principles into a sustainable rhythm.

A rule of life for the last days should include at least these practices. First, daily prayer and Scripture reading. The soul cannot live without food. Second, regular worship and fellowship. We need the body. Third, weekly evangelistic intentionality. We must speak to the lost. Fourth, mortification of sin. We must fight what destroys us. Fifth, generosity and service. We must live for others. Sixth, rest and Sabbath. We cannot burn out.

A rule of life should be flexible enough for different seasons of life and accountable enough to keep us from drifting. A young mother's rule will differ from a retiree's rule. A single person's rule will differ from a married person's rule. But every rule should include the same core commitments: love God, love people, fight sin, share the gospel.

The New Testament repeatedly calls Christians to be ready for the return of Christ. No one knows the day or the hour. We must live as if Christ could come today, while also laboring as if He might not come for centuries. Readiness is not passivity. It is active faithfulness.

Common student mistake: Creating an idealistic rule of life that is too rigid to maintain, then abandoning it in discouragement.

Practice assignment: Write a personal rule of life for the next month. Include specific practices for prayer, Scripture, fellowship, evangelism, mortification, and rest. Share it with one accountability partner.

Worksheet idea: "My Rule of Life" — a one-page template with morning, midday, evening, weekly, and monthly practices.

Completion requirement: Student can design a simple, sustainable rule of life centered on Christ and the gospel.

• What is a rule of life?

ANSWER: A set of practices that orders our days around what matters most, especially Christ and His kingdom.

• What are three core practices for a rule of life?

ANSWER: Any three of: daily prayer and Scripture, regular worship, evangelistic intentionality, mortification of sin, generosity and service, rest and Sabbath.

• Why should a rule of life be flexible?

ANSWER: Because different seasons of life require different expressions of the same core commitments.