Who has control of your life?
Imagine for a moment that your life is represented by a circle. Inside that circle, in the very center, is a throne. On that throne sits, by your choosing, the ruling influence in your life. Who is sitting on the throne of your heart?
Some put their enemies on the throne of their hearts. These people allow their enemies to consume their lives because hate for their enemies control their thoughts, their actions, and their attitudes. Some put their friends on the throne of their hearts. Many allow their friends to dictate what they wear, what they say, what they do, even what they believe about God. Friends can be a blessing or they can be a curse. In the Bible, we read about Amnon who had the wrong kind of friends (2 Samuel 13). Even in the New Testament, we are warned: “Be not deceived: Evil companionships corrupt good morals” (1 Corinthians 15:33). But, most people put self on the throne of their hearts. They say, “What’s in it for me?” and that becomes the determining factor in the lives of those who are dominated by self. If we will stop and think, however, the most miserable person and the most selfish person are one and the same!
Thus, we should put Christ on the throne of our hearts. If we want to experience an abundant life now (John 10:10) and an eternal life in heaven (Romans 6:23), we must allow Christ to rule our lives! Christ is Lord (Acts 2:36). The word “Lord” means master, owner; one who has power or authority over another. So, is He your Lord? You know He wants the best for you. But know this, Jesus has said, “Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven” (Matthew 7:21). He has also said, “But why do you call Me ‘Lord, Lord,’ and do not do the things which I say?” (Luke 6:46). In our individual lives, if Jesus is not Lord of all, He is not Lord at all.
You know, each of us will serve someone. Each of us will put someone on the throne of our hearts. It may be our enemies, our friends or loved ones, our selves, Christ, or some other. We’re going to serve someone! But, whom do you serve? Who is your lord? Who controls your life?