Faith column: Jesus Rules!

WORTHINGTON — The other day, as I was driving away from one of the local fast-food outlets in town, the attendant at the window wished me a good day and said, “You rule.”

I repeated that to myself as I drove out into traffic, “I rule.” I just couldn’t keep that idea out of my head.

I was musing over exactly what it is that I rule over.

As a verb, the word rule means “exercise ultimate power or authority over (an area and its people).” I am certain that I have no area in my life where I rule according to this definition. Yes, there are certain dynamics where I have some control or authority as a part of my position. But ultimate power? Ultimate authority? That’s just not my style.

Nor is it my life.

I’ve been married to my wife, Nancy, for almost 49 years, long enough to know the nuances of the terms “rule” and “reign” and what they mean in our relationship. Truth be told, neither of us “rule” or “reign” over the other (at least, that is what I believe). We hold decisions and choices in this life as equals (at least, that is what I’ve understood over all these years).

Of course, I know the attendant was simply iterating the most current promotional spin for her company. I have no qualms about that. But those two little words “you rule” set me on a thought-provoking journey that I believe is important to explore.

Here is why: in the Christian year, we are now in the Eastertide season. Eastertide is the period between the celebration of the resurrection of Jesus and Pentecost (the birthday of the church through the gift of the Holy Spirit coming upon the disciples in the Upper Room).

During this time, we remember and celebrate the rule and reign of Jesus in our lives. His rule over me is absolute. His rule and authority in my life is paramount. What he taught, what he said, what he did, what he promised, what he lived are all part of the example I strive to submit to every day. Where he went, who he ministered to, who he challenged, who he accepted, who he loved are all part of the foundation after which I model my life’s pathways.

Let’s pause for one moment while I tell you that I am not always 100% successful in that endeavor. I “strive” to submit to that rule and reign. I’m not a perfect person, but I know that more times than not, I look to Jesus as having rule over my life.

Colossians 3:15 says it best: “Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.”

We have been given the freedom to decide what it is that will “rule” our hearts and minds. Will it be frustration or fear? Will it be anger or apathy? Will it be envy or evil? Or will it be hope and peace? Will it be love and compassion? God has given us the ability to choose what will rule in our lives.

Let Christ rule over you. Allow him to have dominion and authority over, so that his guidance through his teaching and example have influence in the actions (or inactions) that we take each day. If we can do that, then we can say with complete confidence, “Jesus rules” in our lives!

Rev. Dr. Daren Flinck is pastor at First United Methodist Church in Worthington and the Adrian United Methodist Church.