Do you have Jesus or does Jesus have you?

By Hannah Brudnicki

We live in these realities on a day-to-day basis (or at least I do). The same circumstances arise in each reality – I see the same people, encounter the same problems, and walk out a solution. The difference is found in my response. How I respond and how much it costs changes depending on where I’m living from.

A good way to capture this paradigm is by examining our decision-making process. When we have Jesus, we often use our faith to frame what we shouldn’t do. When I’m in a rush to get home from work, I get upset when people cut me off. 25% of the time, I jump into road rage mode. I know it’s wrong to curse out the other driver and I shouldn’t do it. My process in the moment is to control the outcome of situation by limiting my negative actions – I deny my flesh the satisfaction of using profanity because I feel that I have been wronged by the other driver. A response like this is very “expensive.” I’m living from the reality where “I have Jesus” and I’ve chosen to wager peace, dignity, and self-control.

However, when Jesus has us, our experience is different. Here, the opportunity is to use our faith to frame how we should respond. Instead of taking offense when getting cut off, my response could engage humility, kindness, or forgiveness. Maybe that driver had a worse day than I did. Maybe they’re rushing to witness the birth of their child. I wouldn’t know. I don’t sit in my car believing the other driver was genuinely wrong and therefore needs forgiveness. In fact, I’m might not do anything other than shrug the situation off. What is one car length in the grand scheme of eternity? When Jesus has your heart, it defines how you live your life. Logically, it affects what you do, how you do it and why you do it. Spiritually, we’re not thinking through a set of parameters. We’re living life like Christ did and able to do so because we have a strong and genuine connection to Him. Declaration: Jesus has me. I am completely surrendered to Him.

Prayer: Lord, help me to live my life surrendered to you. Thank you for paying the ultimate price so that I may live in the fullness of who You are. Let my walk closer represent who You are to those around me. Let my life be so saturated by Your presence that people know You have me. Amen.