What Is a Christian Life?

"For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do." Ephesians 2:10 (NIV)
As a child, my perception of Christianity was about what God did for us: He made a perfect world and gave mankind freedom of choice.  When humanity chose sin that corrupted the earth and separated us from God, He sent Jesus to take the death penalty for our sin so we could be friends with God again, and go to heaven when we die.
As I grew up, my comprehension expanded to include what God gives to us: not just material provisions, but intangibles such as hope and peace.  I learned to pray, not just asking for what I wanted (please give me a great day) but what I needed (please give me grace when I have a not-so-great day).
Still I wondered how Christianity was supposed to work.  If you follow the rules, God gives you extra things?  I didn't see that in real life.  There were Christians who prayed but still got sick and died.  People who sang in the choir still cheated in their marriages.  Sweet old ladies who taught Sunday school for decades still had bills they couldn't pay.  Besides, I knew many people who didn't believe in God but were kind, generous, well-off.
As I continued to search for understanding, I found that a Christian life isn't limited to what God does for me or gives to me, but how He works through me.  I started praying, "God, tell me what to do today and I'll do it."  He directed.  I followed.  That was when I began to see circumstances change and miracles happen, not just for myself but for people around me, as a result of God using me.
"I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me.  The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me." Galatians 2:20 (NIV)
Have you moved beyond accepting what God has done for you, and receiving what God has given to you, into allowing Him to work through you?