Therefore, brethren, we are debtors—not to the flesh, to live according to the flesh. For if you live according to the flesh you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live. Romans 8:12–13 (NKJV)
When you gave your life to Christ, He instantly became your Saviour. But you make Jesus your Lord one decision at a time.
The good news is you have the mind of Christ and are empowered by His Spirit to choose God’s ways every time.
In the Garden of Gethsemane, Jesus faced this battle. But just as He had done countless times before, He won that battle over who would have Lordship when He said, “Not as I will, but as you will” (Matthew
26:39, NIV). You can do the same. You choose to make Jesus your Lord by making the right decisions in your “Garden of Gethsemane” moments.
Now, this will be easier in some areas of life than others. Maybe you find it easy to make Him Lord over your finances. You tithe and are able to give to others cheer- fully. But maybe you haven’t yet made Him Lord of your mouth. You often give in to the temptation to tell people off .
Every time you resist that temptation and respond to someone God’s way, you gain strength in that area. Pretty soon it won’t be so difficult. One victory feeds the next, and you get established in controlling your temper.
Keep going! And never forget that you have God’s strength and power as well as His Word to help you win these battles. Every victory you win feeds the next and establishes Jesus more and more as Lord of your life.