Francis of Assisi: Finding Christ in the Everyday

When many people think of Francis of Assisi, they picture a man surrounded by birds, caring for animals, or living in radical poverty. While those images reflect parts of his life, they only scratch the surface of what made Francis so influential. At the heart of his life was a deep desire to know Jesus personally and to walk with Him in every ordinary moment.

Francis reminds us that the Christian life is not merely about attending church, reading our Bible out of obligation, or serving in ministry. It is about living in continual communion with Christ. He believed that every conversation, every task, every walk along a dusty road, and every act of kindness could become an opportunity to encounter the presence of God. That is a lesson our hurried world desperately needs.

A Life Transformed by Jesus

Francis was born into wealth in the late twelfth century. As a young man, he pursued status, comfort, and adventure. He dreamed of military glory and the admiration of others. But after illness, imprisonment during war, and a profound encounter with Christ, everything changed. Instead of chasing success, Francis began pursuing the One who had pursued him.

One of the defining moments of his life came while praying in the small, dilapidated church of San Damiano. There he sensed Christ saying, "Francis, rebuild my church." At first he took those words literally, repairing broken buildings with his own hands. Eventually he realized Jesus was calling him to help renew the hearts of God's people. That renewal began not with grand strategies or impressive programs but with a man who learned to slow down long enough to hear the voice of Jesus.

Communion Before Activity

Francis understood something that many believers today often reverse: fruitful ministry always flows from intimate fellowship with Christ. He regularly withdrew to pray. He spent extended time meditating on Scripture. He practiced gratitude. He worshiped while working. He viewed creation as a reminder of God's glory rather than merely a resource to consume.

His days were not divided into "spiritual time" and "ordinary time.” Everything belonged to Christ. That perspective echoes Paul's instruction: "And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him." Colossians 3:17  Whether Francis was repairing a wall, serving someone with leprosy, sharing the gospel in a village, or quietly praying alone, he sought to remain aware of Christ's presence. 

God Is Present in the Ordinary

We often assume we'll experience God most powerfully during a worship service, a conference, or a mission trip. While God certainly meets us in those moments, He is just as present on an ordinary Tuesday morning. He is present during your commute. He is present while changing diapers. He is present during your lunch break. He is present while mowing the lawn, preparing dinner, answering emails, or taking an evening walk.

Francis lived with this awareness. Every ordinary moment became an opportunity to worship because every moment belonged to God. Jesus Himself modeled this way of living. He prayed while walking between towns. He taught beside lakes. He shared meals around ordinary tables. He noticed people everyone else overlooked. The sacred was never confined to the synagogue. Neither should ours be. 

Practicing the Presence of Christ

Francis' life challenges us to cultivate habits that keep our hearts attentive to Jesus throughout the day. Instead of rushing into each morning, begin with a simple prayer: "Lord, help me notice You today."

Pause before meetings and invite the Holy Spirit to guide your words. Thank God during everyday tasks instead of waiting until bedtime. Look people in the eye and remember they bear God's image. Turn moments of waiting into moments of prayer. Allow the beauty of creation to remind you of the Creator. None of these practices are complicated. Yet together they train our hearts to recognize what has always been true: Christ is with us.

Living a Life That Reflects Jesus

Francis became known not because he built an empire but because he reflected Jesus. His compassion toward the poor, his generosity, his humility, and his joy all flowed from a life centered on communion with Christ. Our world does not simply need more Christians who are busy doing things for Jesus. It needs Christians who spend time with Jesus.

When we abide in Him, our love grows deeper. Our patience increases. Our generosity becomes more natural. Our witness becomes more authentic because people encounter not merely our efforts but the life of Christ shining through us.

Jesus said: "Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me." John 15:4  Francis understood that truth centuries ago, and it remains just as relevant today. The invitation is not to imitate Francis. The invitation is to imitate the Christ whom Francis loved so deeply.

May we learn to slow down, pay attention, and discover that Jesus is already present in the ordinary moments of our everyday lives. For it is often there, in the unnoticed rhythms of faithfulness, that our deepest communion with Him is found.