From Resident to President: Is Jesus Really in Charge?

Marcus Johnson

Many people gladly welcome Jesus into their lives. We pray, attend worship services, read Scripture, and call on Him when we need help. Yet there is an important question every believer must answer:

Is Jesus merely a resident in your life, or is He the President?

There is a difference.

A resident lives in the house. A president governs the house.

Too often, we invite Jesus into our hearts but continue to make our own decisions, follow our own plans, and maintain control of our lives. We want His comfort, His blessings, and His salvation, but we struggle to surrender our authority.

In Matthew 16:24, Jesus made His expectations clear:

“Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me.”

Following Christ has never been about adding Him to an already crowded schedule. It is about surrendering control. Jesus does not seek a place among our priorities; He seeks first place over them.

The Apostle Paul reminds us in Philippians 2:9-11 that Jesus has already been exalted by God and given the name above every name. He is not campaigning for lordship. He is already Lord. The question is whether we will willingly submit to His authority.

Romans 10:9 teaches that salvation involves confessing “Jesus is Lord.” The word “Lord” means master, ruler, and owner. It speaks of authority and submission. A true relationship with Christ involves more than acknowledging Him as Savior; it requires recognizing Him as Lord.

Making Jesus President of your life begins with repentance. Repentance means stepping down from the throne of your own life and allowing Christ to take His rightful place. It means admitting that your way is not always God’s way and choosing to follow Him instead.

It continues through surrender. Every area of life must be placed in His hands:

• Relationships
• Finances
• Career decisions
• Family concerns
• Future plans
• Personal struggles

Nothing should be off limits to God’s authority.

Obedience is another mark of Christ’s leadership in our lives. We do not obey only when it is convenient or comfortable. We follow His Word because we trust His wisdom and His love for us.

Finally, we must trust Him. There will always be moments when we are tempted to take back control. We may feel that God is moving too slowly or leading us in a direction we do not understand. Yet true faith means remaining in the passenger seat while allowing Christ to direct the course.

The good news is that surrendering to Jesus is not a loss—it is a gain. Jesus asked, “What good will it be for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul?” (Matthew 16:26).

Many people spend their lives pursuing success, possessions, and recognition only to discover that none of those things can provide lasting peace. Real peace comes when we stop trying to be our own lord and allow Jesus to reign.

Today, consider this question: Has Jesus simply taken up residence in your life, or does He truly rule your life?

He did not die on the cross merely to become a guest in your heart. He rose with all power and authority to be Lord.

It’s time to move from resident to President.