Stepping Down
A wise person finds balance to life. Usually when we think of balance, we picture our life like a scale. Balance is found in dividing our time, resources and energy evenly among all the demands of our life. Everything is segmented; everybody gets their fair share.
Unfortunately, life just doesn’t work that way. Work demands more than its share, family needs more of you and then, there are eternal priorities. No one ever seems to get enough, and you are left worn out.
Now, think of a plate spinning on a stick. It spins without falling because the stick is placed perfectly in the center and the whole plate spins around that center point. When Jesus is at the center of your life, He will lead you and empower you to live for Him in every area of your life — where you live, learn, work and play.
So how do you live with Jesus in the center of your life? Lean in close and listen to the Apostle Paul’s words:
“Do not let any part of your body become an instrument of evil to serve sin. Instead, give yourselves completely to God, for you were dead, but now you have new life,” (Romans 6.13 NLT).
Underline the words “give yourselves completely to God.” other versions put the same thought in different words: “yield yourself to God,” “offer yourselves to God,” “present yourselves to God,” “put yourself in God’s hands,” “put yourself at God’s disposal.” The key to living with Jesus in the center of your life is surrendering control to Him day by day and moment by moment.
Craig Etheredge, author of this article, wrote a short eBook called Invest in a Few, and it’s available for free download. Click here to get your free digital copy.
Imagine a huge throne. It’s the center of all power and control. This is the throne of your life, and you sit on that throne, living for yourself and following your own plans. Now Jesus steps into the room and wants to sit on the throne of your life. He wants to be in control. Living with Jesus at the center means you step down from that throne of control and allow Jesus to take His rightful place in your life.
Now picture you are driving a car. You are setting the course and calling the shots, but then Jesus steps into the car and wants to drive. Living with Jesus in the center means allowing Jesus to sit behind the wheel of your life and lead you.
Whether you envision a throne or a car, Jesus wants to lead your life. He wants to be the center of your life — around which everything revolves. This is not just a one-time experience; it’s a daily practice.
How can you do this? Commit to live your life for Him one day at a time. You can’t change your past. It’s done. You can’t change your future. That is in God’s hands. You can only live in this moment. So live one day at a time, and each day choose to let Jesus lead your life.
That may start in the mornings with prayer and studying your Bible. Before the day starts, you slip to your knees and pray, “Jesus, today I want you to be the center of my life around which everything revolves. I want to please you and live for you. I yield myself to you today. Please fill me with your Spirit to live for you today.” That’s a great way to start the day!
But be warned: Sometime during the day, you may take the throne or grab the wheel again. Anger will surge, temptation will win, selfishness will rise up, and you will sin against God. When you do, confess it quickly to God. (1 John 1.9 NIV) says, “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.” Confess your sin and then yield yourself once again to Him. “Lord, I want you to fill me and use me today. I’m yielding the control of my life to you!”
Written by Craig Etheredge
This blog was originally posted on discipleFIRST’s blog, which you can access here. Used by permission.
Craig is a gifted communicator, author, and Bible teacher. Craig and his family moved to Colleyville, Texas in July 2007 to serve as lead pastor of First Baptist Church where he currently serves. In addition to leading the local church, Craig is involved in the local community serving on the Board of Directors for Baylor Hospital, Grapevine, Board of Directors of Christian Counseling Associates, Mission Board SBTC, Chaplain for the Colleyville Police Department, and football chaplain for Birdville High School. He has a Master of Divinity from Southwestern Theological Seminary and a Doctor of Ministry from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School. Craig met his wife, Liz, in the fifth grade and they have two daughters, Leah Beth and Abbie.
Photo by Alice Alinari on Unsplash
