I was just watching an online Christian broadcast earlier today and the message for the day was a very important one; it’s something we all know by heart as practicing Christians, but it’s something we don’t often practice, either it’s simply because its too difficult, or we just don’t “see” the importance in it, and that is putting Christ the center of our lives.

It’s interesting enough most of us Christians, while week after week being constantly reminded to put God in the very center of our lives by our pastors and priests, we just “can’t seem to do it”. I for one, will only go so far in putting Christ first; the effect will wear off after 2-3 days and before I know it, I’ll be back to my old self habits.

And it’s strange in a way, because it’s not like we do not want Christ. It also doesn’t appear that we’re ignoring the Great I Am. I’m often reminded of the great young ruler (Mark 10:17), who despite having everything in life, still went up to Jesus and still wanted to know what more he could do earn eternal life.

That very young ruler’s heart is in all of us. We all have ambitions, we all want to be successful in life, but at the same time, we also want God.

But what does Jesus say instead?

“Go sell everything you own, give it to the poor, and come follow me”

To follow Jesus does not mean one should live in poverty. To follow Jesus is to put Him first, to put him in that very center part of our lives, and too often, we don’t really give Jesus that spot. Not too say we don’t love Him or we don’t honour Him, but it’s just that we often put other things; relationships, career plans, money, our basic primary needs; it’s often those things that occupy our hearts.

But don’t you feel frustrated, despite still having that dream job, or having finally met that special someone; despite having a huge bonus, a fat paycheck, an ultra-cool sports car, despite having everything, don’t you just feel empty, depressed, frustrated with life?

That’s because when God created our hearts, right at the center, He created a spot, a special spot that means so much to us, and He first filled it with His presence. But because of sin and pride, man somehow lost that spot that God once held and often time that spot is empty. The spot never has a permanent resident, and even if it does, it feel empty. And even today, we still continue to feel that void, because the wrong resident is staying in that spot.

Perhaps it’s time we invite the true resident of that spot. Perhaps its time we realize that Christ and Christ alone needs and CAN occupy that spot. Perhaps it’s time we give God His rightful spot in us.

If there is one thing I want to add to my next year’s new year resolution, I am going to make this # 1 on my list, and I think there is no better time to start preparing your hearts for Jesus as He comes to the world in a few weeks time.

God bless.