Governed by the Word of God

If Christ reigns as the supreme authority over his kingdom and we are his subjects, our lives must be governed by him. What does it mean, exactly, to be governed by Jesus? According to the dictionary, to govern means “to guide, to direct, to control all actions and behavior of those under authority.”

Jesus must be allowed to control all of our actions and behavior, including our every thought, word and deed. The Bible tells us, “He rules by his power forever; his eyes observe the nations; do not let the rebellious exalt themselves. Selah” (Psalm 66:7, NKJV), and “The Lord has established his throne in heaven, and his kingdom rules over all” (Psalm 103:19).

Beloved, our God is not one bit anxious about Satan. With just one word from our Lord’s mouth, Satan will be gone forever, tormented for eternity. Therefore, we are to fear no evil. God rules supremely and powerfully in his own kingdom, the one he has established in the hearts of his people.

Jesus said, “Indeed, the kingdom of God is within you” (Luke 17:21). It is within this kingdom—the realm of our hearts—that Christ rules supreme over his people, guiding us, healing us, governing our actions and behavior. The prophets spoke of Jesus’ rule throughout eternity. “Of the increase of his government and peace there will be no end” (Isaiah 9:7). Yet this verse also has another significant meaning: We must always increase our submission to our King’s rule.

Can you honestly say that, day after day, Jesus’ government over you is increasing? Are you bringing your behavior more and more under his authority?

The author tells us that in the Old Testament, God spoke to his people through the prophets, but today the Lord has chosen to speak through his Son (see Hebrews 1:1–2). Jesus is God’s explicit message to us, the divine Word made flesh. In turn, the Father has sent the Holy Ghost to us today to remind us of the words Jesus spoke while on earth. Thus, Jesus governs us by the revealed Word of God. The Bible is our ruler’s scepter by which he makes his Word known to us.

If you want to hear the testimony of a man who was governed by God’s written Word, you can find it in Psalm 119:11, “Your word I have hidden in my heart that I might not sin against you.”