But you know differently. You came to see your need of Him and, like Mary, you can say, "My spirit rejoices in God my Savior" (Luke 1:47). You saw your life was headed the wrong direction due to your sin and you needed Him to do a work of salvation that only He could do. Because He loves you so much, He did that work in the person of His Son on the cross.
Unfortunately, though, many people want the Lord Jesus as their Savior and that’s it! They think, "He can be my friend, He can help me with my daily problems, and He can even save my soul. That’s all fine and good, but trust Him as Lord?"
The Bible does not give us the option to choose. If you want Him as Savior, you must have Him as Lord. “If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved" (Romans 10:9). Paul preached it clearly, "Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved.” (Acts 16:31).
Yes, it is true that "He is Lord of all" (Acts 10:36). He has the legal and moral right to everyone and everything. Because of who He is "every knee should bow … and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father" (Philippians 2:10, 11).
But is He Lord of your life?
He has the title, so turn over the keys
If you pay $30,000 for a new car, should your name be on the title? Wouldn’t you have the right to drive it? Paul put the same concept in black and white: "You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So, glorify God in your body" (1 Corinthians 6:20). How great a price did your Savior pay to have you for His own? Does He not have the rights to the ownership of your life?
"How great a price did your Savior pay to have you for His own?"
Face it. You really should be singing "I surrender all," but not because you like the tune. Peter was a strong-willed man and it was hard for him to surrender. He wrote, "In your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy" (1 Peter 3:15). That is, set Him apart and give Him full control of your will. It does not mean you will not have an opinion, but He should always have the final say. The apostle Paul was also a self-made man. Yet at his conversion he asked, "Lord, what do you want me to do?” (Acts 9:6, NKJV).
Could you say that to your Lord because you have bowed to His will for your life?
He sees what you are doing, so don’t keep a key in your pocket
You cannot fool the Lord, but some people try anyway. They have prophesied, done miracles and cast out demons in His name. They can likely quote verses and appear spiritual. They have even talked a lot about "the Lord." But when the opportunity for salvation is over, they will remain outside pounding on the door. Sure, they will call, "Lord, open unto us." But He will state the truth: "I never knew you: depart from Me, you workers of lawlessness." (Matthew 7:23). They professed to be saved and professed to be surrendered to Christ. In the end, they apparently kept a key in their pocket to be able to take their life in the direction they wanted. They wanted to be "workers of lawlessness" and enjoy the temporary fun of sin. Jesus explained, "Not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of My Father Who is in heaven" (Matthew 7:21-23). Young person, this is most serious. In truth, is Christ your Savior and your Lord?
He knows where He is going, so enjoy the ride
Why might you be reluctant to surrender the keys to your life? Are you afraid that if you let Him take control, He may take you where you don’t want to go? That fear can only be calmed if you stop to understand Who it is Who wants to be the Lord of your life. Do you think someone who shed His precious blood for you would be trustworthy enough to guide your life? Do you think Someone to Whom you have trusted the salvation of your soul would be trustworthy enough to make plans for your future? When Thomas saw the Lord who had died for him and had risen from the dead, he said, "My Lord and my God" (John 20:28)! If history is right, Thomas surrendered all to Christ, and he ended up serving and dying in India for the cause of Christ.
So, think carefully. Does the Lord Jesus have the title to your life? Does He have the reliability to be trusted as the Lord of your life? He may take you down a smooth highway or He may take you down a very bumpy road. At times you may be frightened, but He will never lose control. Best of all, He promises, "Behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age" (Matthew 28:20).
Please search your heart and soul. Are you holding back in any area of your life? Is there anything the Savior might ask you to do to which you would say "No!"? As you look over your life and out on your future, may God help you to surrender 100 percent to His will and may you enjoy having Jesus Christ as your Lord. When it is all over, may you "prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God" (Romans 12:2, KJV).
The title and the keys to your life are sitting on the desk. Go ahead. Fill in the real owner’s name. Now what are you going to do with the keys? The challenge and choice is yours with the Lord you obey.