The following series is based on a book written by Jeremy and Sushma Ballard, “Is Your Home a Jesus Home?” The book is available for purchase on Amazon (Paperback & eBook), Barnes & Noble (Paperback & eBook), and Apple Books (eBook). Every purchase helps to support Jesus Home Ministries and the work Jeremy and Sushma are doing.
Previously, we have explored various aspects of a Christ-centered home, from honoring widows to restoring God’s design for families. Today, we focus on the most important question every believer must answer: Is Jesus truly our Lord?
Jesus Christ is worthy to be our Lord for many reasons. First and foremost, Jesus is our Creator. Colossians 1:15–18 tells us that Jesus “is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation: for by Him all things were created, both in the heavens and on earth, visible and invisible… all things have been created through Him and for Him.” Not only did Jesus create us, but He also came to earth to show us the way to the Father (John 14:6).
Jesus did not simply tell us how to live; He showed us by living a holy, sinless life. Scriptures like 2 Corinthians 5:21, Hebrews 4:15, 1 Peter 2:21–22, and 1 John 3:5 all attest to the fact that Jesus “knew no sin.” Because of His perfect life, Jesus became the ultimate sacrifice for our sins (Romans 6:10, Hebrews 10:1–18, 1 Peter 3:18). If He had not been perfect, He would not have been qualified to be our Savior. As the perfect Lamb of God, Jesus fulfilled the requirement of the Mosaic Law that sacrifices be pure and without defect (Leviticus 22:20–21, Matthew 5:17, 1 Peter 1:18–19, Hebrews 10:1–18).
Because of Jesus’ sacrifice, “everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved” (Acts 2:21, Romans 10:13). This salvation is available to all who recognize Jesus as Lord and Savior.
Jesus should also be our Lord because He is the perfect example for us to follow. In Philippians 2:5–11, Paul encourages us to “Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus, who… emptied Himself by taking the form of a bond-servant and being born in the likeness of men… He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death: death on a cross.” Jesus, though He was God, did not cling to His divine privileges but humbled Himself to serve others.
To have a Christ-centered home, we must adopt the same attitude. We must humble ourselves, be willing to serve rather than be served, and follow Jesus’ example of love and obedience. Jesus Himself said, “If anyone wants to come after Me, he must deny himself, take up his cross daily, and follow Me” (Luke 9:23). Making Jesus our Lord means surrendering our lives to Him and living according to His example.
To make Jesus the center of your home, you must first accept Him as your personal Lord and Savior. This means recognizing that Jesus is the only way to salvation (John 14:6, Acts 4:12) and surrendering your life to His lordship. Jesus knows what is best for us and desires to give us the best life possible, but we must be willing to submit to His will.
Jesus calls us to be perfect, as our heavenly Father is perfect (Matthew 5:48). This may seem like an impossible standard, but scholars suggest that “perfect” in this context refers to spiritual maturity rather than sinlessness. Becoming perfect is a lifelong process that will not be complete until we reach heaven. Meanwhile, Jesus makes us perfect in the eyes of God when we are born again and become a new creation (2 Corinthians 5:17). While we still struggle with our sinful nature, we are called to daily submit to Jesus’ lordship and not to our flesh.
To follow Jesus, we must be willing to change our lifestyles and align ourselves with His Word. The Bible serves as our guide, and the Holy Spirit, whom Jesus sent, helps us in this journey (John 16:7–15).
If we confess our sins and acknowledge Jesus as our Lord and Savior, we will receive the incredible gift of salvation. This gift includes forgiveness of sins (1 John 1:9), becoming a child of God (John 1:12), and experiencing a fulfilling life on earth (John 10:10). Even though we will face trials, we can have a peace that surpasses understanding (Philippians 4:7). Moreover, we are promised eternal life in heaven, where we will be restored completely (1 Peter 5:10).
These gifts are available to all who accept Jesus as their Lord and Savior. Jesus has already done everything necessary for our salvation; now, it is up to us to respond. Will you make Jesus your Lord today? (For more information on how to make Jesus your Lord and Savior, see “How to Make Jesus Your Lord and Savior.”)
Jesus is worthy to be our Lord because of who He is and what He has done for us. By making Him the center of our lives and our homes, we align ourselves with God’s perfect plan and receive the abundant life that Jesus promises. Let us strive to follow Jesus’ example, surrender to His lordship, and live lives that bring glory to God.
Next time, we will discuss the gift of grace and righteousness.
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