Scripture: Romans 6:12-14, “Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, to make you obey its passions. Do not present your members to sin as instruments for unrighteousness, but present yourselves to God as those who have been brought from death to life, and your members to God as instruments for righteousness. For sin will have no dominion over you, since you are not under law but under grace.”

Many years ago as a college student, I was involved with a campus ministry known then as Campus Crusade for Christ (now known simply as “CRU”). We used a tract called “The Four Spiritual Laws” to share the Gospel. Our verse for today reminds me of an illustration in that tract depicting the “throne” of our hearts as a chair. The illustration, copied below, contrasts the “Self-Directed Life” with the “Christ-Directed Life.” When “Self” in on the throne, our interests are self-centered and result in discord and frustration. When Christ is on the throne, He directs our interests resulting in harmony with God’s plan.

How do we put Christ on the throne of our lives? We start by recognizing his Authority.

“The earth is the LORD’s and the fullness thereof, the world and those who dwell therein.” Psalm 24:1

Everything, including us, belongs to God. God created us:

“Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I consecrated you.” Jeremiah 1:5

He has delivered us from the Kingdom of Darkness:

“He has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.” Colossians 1:13-14

We put Christ on the throne of our lives by “presenting ourselves to God as those who have been brought from death to life;” and by “presenting our members to God as instruments for righteousness.” We do this by acknowledging Jesus as Lord and submitting to him in all things; especially in those things with which we wrestle or things we can’t control.

“Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding.

In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.

Be not wise in your own eyes; fear the LORD, and turn away from evil.

It will be healing to your flesh and refreshment to your bones.” Proverbs 3:5-8

There is great reward and tremendous peace in submitting to Jesus. Those things we tend to stew about fade from our thoughts as we trust them to Christ.

Finally, the more of our lives we submit to Jesus, the less dominion sin will have over us. Our actions begin as thoughts in our heads. If we arrest those thoughts in the early stages, they won’t develop into sin.

“We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ.” 2 Corinthians 10:5

A wise pastor once said, “don’t dally with sin.” STOP when thoughts go toward darkness and turn to Jesus. Confess to him and rest in his grace, forgiveness and peace.

Remember and believe this: Sin will have no dominion over you, since you are not under law but under grace. Romans 6:14

Dear Heavenly Father, thank you that you have made us in your image; forming each one of us in the womb. We recognize that through Adam’s fall and our own sinfulness, we were hopelessly separated from you. But by your grace and love you have delivered us from the dominion of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of your beloved Son, Jesus our Lord. We give ourselves to you. Help us to put Christ on the throne of our lives. Help us to arrest sinful thoughts and let sin have no dominion over us. Work in and through each of us to accomplish your will for your glory and our good. In Jesus Name. Amen.

Clif Baumer