Jesus Christ as Lord!

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“For we do not preach ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, and ourselves as your servants for Jesus’ sake.”
2 Corinthians 4:5

After much prayer and labor, our church finally had its new reader board sign.  The only problem was, I had never been pastor in a church where I had the responsibility of deciding what would appear on our church sign.  Should I put up witty sayings, coming events, catchy sermon titles?  All of these might have their place, but after some thought, I put up this simple invitation, “Please come and worship the Lord Jesus with us!”

As I stepped back from the sign to look over what I had just put in place, something hit me.  In the very center of the sign was the word “Jesus”.  In the very center… Jesus.

It made me think.  In my preaching, in my conversation, in my everyday agenda, was Jesus in the center?  Does He have center stage in the drama of my life?  Or have my own pet agendas and concerns replaced Him at the center of my life?

What about you?  Is Jesus at the center of your life?  Lent is a great season to take an accounting of your thoughts, words, and actions.  Are your thoughts, words, and actions all centered on Jesus?

Alas, if you are like me, far too often Jesus is not at the center of my life.  For if He is at the center, then He is Lord of all that I think, say, and do.  He has the ultimate position of prominence and power.   He is Lord, for He has redeemed me by His own precious blood, although I am a lost and condemned sinner.  I owe Him my life.

Lord Jesus, I confess that I often do not live as if You were the center of my life.  Forgive me for my selfishness, sin, and rebelliousness.  Send Your Holy Spirit to produce faith in me and to conform me to Your will.  You are Lord, and I am yours.  Amen.

Text and Picture Copyright Steve Nickodemus