“Many people find Jesus pretty handy to have in the passenger’s seat…”

A thought by John Ortberg from his book, The Me I Want to Be (p. 61). Zondervan. Kindle Edition. (Click on the book title to go to Amazon.com to buy the book.)

That is so true, isn’t it?

Now here is the whole thought.  John says, “Many people find Jesus pretty handy to have in the passenger’s seat when they require his services.”

He goes on:

“Jesus, I have a health problem, and I need your help.

Something hard is going on at work, and I’d like it to be different.

I’m feeling anxious, and I want you to give me peace of mind.

I’m feeling sad, and I’d like a little hope.

I’m facing death, and I want to make sure I’m going to heaven.”

He then says, “But these people are not so sure they want Jesus driving, because if Jesus is behind the wheel, they are not in control anymore. If he is driving, they are not in charge of their wallet anymore. They no longer can simply say, ‘I’ll give sometimes when I feel generous, but I reserve the right to keep what I want.’  Now it is Jesus’ money.”

He then says, “When I let Jesus drive, I am no longer in charge of my ego. I no longer have the right to satisfy every self-centered ambition. Now it is his life. I am not in charge of my mouth anymore. I don’t get to gossip, flatter, cajole, condemn, lie, curse, rage, cheat, intimidate, manipulate, exaggerate, or prevaricate anymore. Now it is not my mouth — it is his mouth.

“I get out of the driver’s seat. I hand over the keys to Jesus. I am fully engaged. In fact, I am more alive than ever before. But it is not my life anymore. It is his life.

“Have I invited Jesus along for the ride, or is he driving? Who is behind the wheel? Jesus is very clear on this point: There is no way for a human being to come to God that does not involve surrender.

Will you let start driving your life?  Will you?

Yes, yes!