Living in Agreement with Jesus

“Never do anything without Jesus’s enthusiastic agreement,” said the pastor in his sermon yesterday. “If you can’t come to agreement, then don’t do it.”

Then he gave several examples to teach his congregation how to apply these words:

“I feel like watching _____________ on TV this evening. What do You think about that, Jesus?”

“I want to buy _____________. What are Your thoughts on that, Jesus?”

“I’d like to spend time with __________________ this week. What do You say about that, Jesus?”

The pastor directed us to Colossians 2:6-10:

⁶And now, just as you accepted Christ Jesus as your Lord, you must continue to live in obedience to him. ⁷Let your roots grow down into him and draw up nourishment from him, so you will grow in faith, strong and vigorous in the truth you were taught. Let your lives overflow with thanksgiving for all he has done.

⁸Don’t let anyone lead you astray with empty philosophy and high-sounding nonsense that come from human thinking and from the evil powers of this world, and not from Christ. ⁹For in Christ the fullness of God lives in a human body, and you are complete through your union with Christ…”

New life in Christ

“How many times do we, as Christ followers, live disconnected from Him?” asked the preacher. “Sure, we place our faith in Him for salvation, but then we basically live day-to-day oblivious of His presence and power. The result? We live powerless and fruitless lives. Imagine how the opposite would be true if we stayed connected to Him as He wants us to do.”

I want to live a powerful and fruitful life, and I assume you do, too. Christ has given us everything we need to do this well, but the key lies in our staying connected to Him moment-by-moment.

So, here’s how I’m going to apply yesterday’s sermon.

Including Jesus in our lives

Today, as my husband and I return home after visiting our daughter and son-in-law in Washington over the weekend, I’m going to invite Jesus to fill our car with a sweet sense of His presence. Doing so will make me more alert to the things I say as we drive.

I’ll think twice about sharing a juicy tidbit about someone or about complaining about long lines at the Canadian border. It will also make me more aware of His power and the direction He wants me to take as I prepare teaching materials for upcoming ministry in the Middle East.

Jesus wants to be part of my life 24/7, and I want that, too.