Is Jesus Your Co-Pilot?
By Greg Christman

Have you seen this bumper sticker: “JESUS IS MY CO-PILOT?” Is Jesus YOUR co-pilot? How is the trip going? Personally, I believe very strongly that Jesus should never be your co-pilot. This says that you know the way better than He, and that you really have everything under control. It implies He, the Creator of the universe, is really just along for the ride, and you don’t really need Him. When you see this bumper sticker on someone’s car, stop them, and ask them, “Are you really driving Jesus around?”

I have read through the Bible many times, and I have noticed some things repeated for emphasis. But, I take special note of these statements: “I tell you the truth, anyone who has faith in Me will do what I have been doing.” “If you love Me, you will obey what I command.” “Whoever has My commands and obeys them, he is the one who loves Me.” “If anyone loves Me, he will obey my teaching.” “You are My friends if you do what I command.” “If you obey My commands, you will remain in my love.”

Six times, in John, between chapters 14 and 17. All of these are very similar. All of these statements Jesus made, have a very black and white message for us. It really is very simple. Does this sound like someone’s co-pilot?

Jesus is the head of our lives. He is the head of our church. He is Lord over all.

I like this a little better. Picture your life as a journey, a plane ride from here to there: there, being Heaven, and forever in God’s holy presence. God knows the path, the way to get there, and He knows everything, therefore, He is the pilot. He will put up the “Fasten Seatbelts” sign when turbulence comes up, and He will often let us know when doing well, and cooperating with His will. He keeps us informed, and if we choose to listen, He will help us make our destination. Jesus takes direction from God, as He did here on earth: “I do the will of the Father.” So, yes, Jesus is the co-pilot, but for God. So, if God knows the way and Jesus does as the Father leads, how do WE get where we need to go? This is where the Holy Spirit comes in, he is the navigator. He directs, and guides, once the path is determined by God.

But where does this leave us? I believe in this picture, we are best seen as the waiter/waitress. We are taken on a trip with God, being led by the Holy Spirit, and our job is to serve others along the way. We go where God leads, and he comes with us. There is a plan: prepare others for the ride by sharing the safety instructions (discipleship and the Bible), serve beverages and snacks (service, others before self), offer blankets and/or pillows (cloth the poor, hospitality), offer comfort to uneasy passengers (show love to those around us), prepare for landing, clean up, and do it all over again leading to the next destination (serve others, be good stewards of our world, and continue on our journey with God).

We are called to be in relationship with God, and with others. I believe if we picture ourselves in this way, we will better serve God and those around us. Remember, Jesus calls us to follow his example, do as he commands, and to do as he has taught. He is the head of our lives, and he is Lord of all. Give him your honor and respect by becoming a great steward to others along your way. We are called to service not to earn salvation, but we are called to love and honor God because he has given us salvation freely, by serving, and loving others with all our heart. How are you doing?

Your comments are welcome, please email me at gchristman@new.rr.com. To view resources and links concerning this article, please visit http://dhw.promarkllc.com.