Living Under the Lordship of Christ
Introduction — Who Is Really in Charge?
Many people are comfortable calling Jesus their Savior. Fewer stop to consider what it truly means for Him to Lord of their life.
The word Lord speaks of authority, leadership, and rightful rule. When the Bible declares that Jesus is Lord, it is not simply a respectful title. It is a declaration that Christ has authority over every part of life.
The apostle Paul reminds believers that Christ has been placed above all things: “And God placed all things under his feet and appointed him to be head over everything for the church.” (Ephesians 1:22 NIV)
If Jesus is truly Lord, then every part of our lives belongs under His leadership.
Understanding the Lordship of Christ
The Lordship of Christ begins with recognizing who Jesus truly is.
Scripture reveals Him as the Son of God and the promised Messiah. He is the Savior who gave His life for our redemption and rose again. He is alive today and reigning with authority. Paul explained that Christ stands above all creation because everything was created through Him and for Him (Colossians 1:16).
Jesus is not simply an influential teacher in history. He is the rightful Lord over creation and over our lives. Recognizing this truth reshapes how we think about our priorities, our decisions, and our purpose.
A Life of Surrender
Recognizing Christ as Lord naturally leads to surrender. Surrender does not mean defeat. In the Christian life, surrender means willingly placing our lives into the hands of a loving and trustworthy Savior.
Jesus spoke clearly about this commitment: “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me.” (Luke 9:23 NIV)
Following Christ requires a daily decision. We choose to place His will above our own and trust His leadership in every circumstance. Over time this surrender shapes our attitudes, our priorities, and our direction in life.
Learning the Practice of Submission
Submission grows out of surrender. James gives believers a clear instruction: “Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” (James 4:7 NIV)
Submission means acknowledging God’s authority and choosing to follow His direction. It is not forced obedience. It is a willing response to the wisdom and goodness of God. When believers submit to God, they experience strength and stability that come from walking under His guidance.
Walking in Humility
Living under Christ’s Lordship also requires humility. Peter encourages believers with these words: “Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time.” (1 Peter 5:6 NIV)
Humility allows us to trust God’s leadership even when we do not fully understand His plans. Instead of trying to control every outcome, we learn to trust that God’s purposes are good and that His timing is perfect.
The Blessing of Living Under Christ’s Lordship
Living under Christ’s authority is not a burden. It is a blessing. When we trust Him as Lord, we place our lives in the hands of the One who knows us perfectly and loves us completely. Paul reminded believers of God’s faithful provision: “And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:19 NIV)
Following Christ leads us toward a life marked by purpose, peace, and spiritual strength.
A Question for Reflection
Take a moment to consider an important question: “Is Jesus Lord over every area of my life?”
Are there areas where I still resist His leadership? Are there decisions where I rely more on my own understanding than on His truth? Christ invites us to trust Him fully.
Final Encouragement
The call to follow Jesus is a call to recognize His Lordship. When we surrender our lives to Him and walk in humble submission, we discover the freedom and joy of living under His loving authority.
Next week we will explore an essential step in spiritual growth: Pursuing and Seeking God Intentionally
Join us next week as we explore this important practice of faith.
Until next time—get wisdom and pursue truth.
Blessings, Steve