What if Jesus Is My Master?

I spent the weekend with about six thousand of my closest teenage friends listening to Bible teaching on the theme of Jesus as our "Master and Commander." In one of the texts that was used during the presentations, Jesus challenges his disciples to leave their familiar life and follow him. "Then Jesus said to Simon, "Don't be afraid; from now on you will catch men." So they pulled their boats up on shore, left everything and followed him." (Luke 5:10-11 NIV) I've come away from the weekend asking myself, "What if Jesus is my Master?"

"What if Jesus is my Master?"

If Jesus is my Master, I will think differently. I will think differently about people who are different from me. I will not judge those who have a different color skin. I will not condemn people who do not think the same way I think. I will not criticize those who hold different views on political and religious issues. If Jesus is my Master I will think before I speak. I will think before I react. I will think before I assume. If Jesus is my Master I will think differently.

If Jesus is my Master, I will feel differently. My heart will influence my thinking. Compassion will play a more prominent role in my relationships. Forgiveness will come more quickly. Empathy will be offered more freely. I will hurt with those who hurt, I will weep with those who weep, I will rejoice with those who rejoice. I will feel differently if Jesus is my Master.

If Jesus is my Master, I will see differently. I will see beyond a person's actions and try to see the motive behind their actions. Then, I will try to understand their motives. I will see more that the obvious. I will not stop with outward appearances. I will not settle for externals. I will look deeper into the heart. I will look beyond the critical comment, the harsh words, or the negative attitude to find the source of their pain. I will see beyond the immediate. I will be able to see potential, and be hopeful even where there appears to be no reason for hope. If Jesus is my Master I will see differently.

If Jesus is my Master, I will act differently. Once my thinking is different, my feelings are different, and my vision is different, I will act differently. I will be more patient with people. I will be more giving to people. I will be more caring. I will be a better listener. I will be a more compassionate counselor. I will be a more understanding father. I will be a more loving husband. I will be a more insightful teacher and preacher. If Jesus is my Master my actions will be different.

That is my prayer for me, and for you: May Jesus be our Master.

A student is not greater than the teacher. But the student who works hard will become like the teacher. (Luke 6:40)