The Transformative Power of Crowning Christ as King

The Transformative Power of Crowning Christ as King

In our journey of faith, we often find ourselves at a crossroads between our human nature and the divine calling placed upon our lives. As believers, we're invited into a new kingdom - one that operates on principles far different from the world we've known. But what does it truly mean to crown Christ as our King, and how does this transformation occur in our daily lives?

The apostle Paul, in his letter to the Colossians, paints a vivid picture of Christ's supremacy:

"He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him. And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together."

This passage reminds us of the unparalleled nature of Christ. There is, indeed, no one like Him. But acknowledging this truth intellectually is just the beginning. The real challenge lies in allowing this reality to permeate every aspect of our being.

When we accept salvation, we're instantly transferred from the kingdom of darkness into the kingdom of light. It's a dramatic shift, akin to being suddenly immersed in a completely foreign culture. Just as it would be jarring for someone to be abruptly placed in a strict Hasidic Jewish community or an Amish settlement, our new life in Christ requires a total reprogramming of our thoughts, actions, and motivations.

The process of this transformation is described in 2 Corinthians 3:18: "And we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord." This metamorphosis isn't instantaneous; it's a journey of continuous growth and change.

However, we often encounter roadblocks in this process. Our minds, emotions, and will can act as filters that sometimes hinder the full expression of God's Spirit through us. These filters, shaped by our experiences, culture, and personal tendencies, can limit our ability to hear and respond to God's leading.

Our minds, while given to us by God for reasoning and understanding, can sometimes elevate logic above faith. We might find ourselves saying, "This doesn't make sense," or "It's not possible," failing to remember that God's ways are higher than our ways. The Pharisees and even Jesus' own disciples often struggled with this, trying to fit the Messiah into their preconceived notions rather than allowing their minds to be transformed by His reality.

Our emotions, too, can become stumbling blocks. While God created us as emotional beings, allowing our feelings to take the lead can leave us vulnerable to the winds and waves of circumstances. We might shy away from God's calling because it feels uncomfortable or retreat into self-pity, forgetting the promise of peace that surpasses all understanding.

Perhaps the most challenging filter is our will - our desire for control. When our will is in the driver's seat, we become the captains of our own ships, effectively saying that Christ can't be fully trusted. We might manipulate circumstances, refuse to back down from our plans, or justify our actions, all while missing out on God's perfect will for our lives.

Consider the story in Acts where Peter and John encounter a lame beggar at the temple gate. If they had relied solely on their human filters, they might have walked past, thinking, "Get a job," or "It's not my responsibility." Instead, they were open to the Holy Spirit's prompting, resulting in a miraculous healing and a powerful testimony to God's power.

How often do we miss similar opportunities in our daily lives? Do we automatically dismiss the person asking for help at the gas station, or the coworker who seems difficult, without even inviting the Holy Spirit into the situation?

The good news is that God offers us a continual opportunity for renewal. As we grow in our relationship with Him through His Word, prayer, meditation, and community, our filters become more aligned with His heart. We begin to see as He sees, feel as He feels, and desire what He desires.

Jesus reminds us in Luke 10:42 that "only one thing is needed." That one thing is Him - knowing Him, loving Him, and allowing Him to reign supreme in every area of our lives. It's a daily choice to take off the crown from our own thoughts, emotions, and will, and to place it where it truly belongs - on the head of our King.

This invitation to crown Christ as King isn't about condemnation for our shortcomings. Rather, it's an opportunity for liberation. When we surrender control, we open ourselves to the limitless possibilities of a life led by the Spirit. We tap into the same power that raised Christ from the dead, now dwelling within us.

As we reflect on our own lives, let's ask ourselves some challenging questions:

- Are we ruled by our mind, emotions, or will in certain areas?
- Is God limited by one of these "kings" in our life this season?
- Do we even want to change our filters, or are we comfortable with the status quo?

Remember, we are always crowning something in our lives. What would God have you coronate today?

The journey of faith is not about perfection, but progression. Each day offers a fresh start, a new opportunity to align ourselves more closely with the heart of our King. As we do, we'll find ourselves being transformed from the inside out, becoming more effective ambassadors of His kingdom.

Let's embrace this transformative process, throwing our crowns at His feet and declaring, "You are King." In doing so, we open ourselves to a life of adventure, purpose, and deep fulfillment - a life truly worth living.