How Can We Make Jesus More Important In Our Lives?

Carey Kinsolving
Sun, 26 Oct 2014 21:00:00 -0700
Lifestyle

"We can make Jesus more important in our lives by putting Christ in the center of all we do," says Nathaniel, 8. "We do this by finding pleasure in studying God's Word, learning about him and hiding God's Word in our heart that we might not sin against him."

The issue in all of life always comes down to this question, "Who is the center of the universe?"

If I'm the center, then everything must revolve around me. Living the self-centered life is difficult because I can't always get everyone to conform to my plan for their lives. It's hard taking the place of God, but many try it.
Updated: Mon Oct 27, 2014

"We can make Jesus more important in our lives by putting Christ in the center of all we do," says Nathaniel, 8. "We do this by finding pleasure in studying God's Word, learning about him and hiding God's Word in our heart that we might not sin against him."

The issue in all of life always comes down to this question, "Who is the center of the universe?"

If I'm the center, then everything must revolve around me. Living the self-centered life is difficult because I can't always get everyone to conform to my plan for their lives. It's hard taking the place of God, but many try it.

With Jesus Christ as the center, my world takes on a decidedly different orbit. I'm now seeking to discover God's game plan for my life and others. I don't have the pressure of pushing my way to the top of a fantasy world where I'm the center.

As the good shepherd, Jesus will lead me in life paths that are good for me and others. People may misunderstand me or even ridicule me because I'm not following the crowd, but it's OK because I'm living before an audience of One. I'm not living for people's approval. I'm living in light of eternity. I'm not a soloist. I'm a team player, and God is calling the plays.

When the disciples of John the Baptist told him that the ministry of Jesus was increasing, he said, "He must increase, but I must decrease" (John 3:30).

How does Jesus increase? Use your memory, says Chandler, 8: "Remember all the times that Jesus saved you from something so that it will get you to believe in him."

Short memories cause us to block God's plan for causing Jesus to increase. We so easily forget where we were when God found us. The Bible paints a picture of God ever pursuing us when we were "lost." Yes, lost. Without God, you are as lost as a goose flying north in the middle of winter.

To be found by God means you come face-to-face with the reality that the universe revolves around Jesus Christ, not you. You realize that when Jesus died on the cross, he died for your sins. You accept God's free gift of eternal life by believing in Jesus as your savior.

Now that your eternal destiny is sealed, you can reorient your world as Grace, 9, suggests: "We need to be more like a servant and become less important because Jesus is the one who should be the most important."

When Jesus' disciples got in an argument over who was the greatest disciple, Jesus said, "He who is greatest among you, let him be as the younger, and he who governs as he who serves" (Luke 22:26).

I can guarantee this is not what the disciples had in mind when they argued over who was top dog. The disciples were shocked when Jesus washed their feet at the Passover meal on the night before his crucifixion. Slaves or household servants usually washed the feet of guests.

Think about this: As Jesus becomes more important in your life, you'll think in ways you can't even imagine now. Like the disciples, you'll be shocked at what Jesus wants to do through you.

Memorize this truth: "He must increase, but I must decrease" (John 3:30).

Ask this question: Is Jesus increasing or decreasing in your life?