Taking Orders from Jesus

Taking orders from someone is something I prefer not to do. I am not sure about you. Human nature equals wanting to be in control of my life, my day, and my profession. Some people prefer controlling others and telling them what they think they should do and how to live life —specifically religiously speaking.

I am reminded of a song sung by Frank Sinatra, “I Did It My Way.” The words to that song reflect our thinking when we were born into this world.

I believe this song was played at Senator John McCain’s memorial service as people exited the solemn service. McCain was a respected American politician, statesman, and United States Navy officer who served as a United States Senator for Arizona and was known for doing things his way. While Sinatra sings about doing it his way, “Me do it!” and “I do it!” are words I heard our children say when they began to talk. As I began my quiet time with my God Moments prayer journal today, I read October 17.

The opening sentence in the powerful devotional book My Utmost for His Highest, by Oswald Chambers, reads, “Prayer does not equip us for greater works —prayer is the greater work... Prayer is the battle, and it makes no difference where you are.”* Prayer takes away the control battle. It places the control in the hands and will of my Father and Lord. From whom do you take orders? As I studied and listened to God today, He assured me that His way is “He has my back.” When I give Him permission, He takes my will and allows His express will to be lived out in my life.

I choose to give Him my day, my desires, my passions, my thoughts, just because I want Him to control me, “simply because [I’ve] been in the habit of taking [my] orders from Jesus Christ.”† I choose each day, each hour, and each moment to take orders from my awesome Creator, beloved Redeemer, Lord, and Lover of my heart and soul. From whom do you take orders?

Mary H. Maxson