When we allow Jesus to reign over us and through us, we no longer have to fear being dominated by anything else.
Text: Matthew 5:3
In general, we humans have very little control over our lives. Of course, we sometimes like to think we do. However, in reality, we are predominately at the mercy of many different influences and environmental factors. For instance, we have little say in when and where we are born and die. We have little say in whether we face droughts, bush fires, viruses and wars. From a young age, we also find ourselves existing in the midst of numerous social groups, communities and systems, which all exert their values and influence upon us. In addition to these are our addictive habits, internal drives and sinful cravings that subjugate us and lead us to harmful behaviours. Finally, of course, sinfulness, which inhabits all of us, brings us under the direct control of Satan and his evil forces, even if we are unaware of it.
Of course, not all of the controlling influences over our lives a bad and are often, in fact, essential for harmony and survival. That said, when we begin to finally understand how little power we have to direct our lives (I acknowledge we do have some ability), it is humbling and even frightening. Yet, interestingly, by coming to terms with our powerlessness, we find ourselves in the best possible state of mind to finally embrace the only way to true freedom and empowered living. Not freedom to do whatever we want. But freedom from everything that holds us back from enjoying spiritual blessings and living an “abundant” and productive life (John 10:10). By coming to terms with our powerlessness, we can find ourselves ready to allow Jesus Christ to be the King of our life. And Jesus is a kind and benevolent King who wants what’s best for us.
The value of having Jesus reign over us and through us is that He saves us and protects us from all the negative things that typically dominate us. So you see, when Christ rules you, you also get to rule with Christ and begin to reign over all those things that are not good for you.
However, you will never fully come under the reign of Christ until you relinquish your pride by coming to terms with how powerless and impoverished you really are.
That is why Jesus, at the beginning of His sermon on the mount said, “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of Heaven”. (Mathew 5:3). The kingdom of Heaven is a reference to the reign of Christ.
