There’s a quiet war inside you—a battle that doesn’t make headlines or stir up the neighbors, but it shapes every word you say, every thought you entertain, and every decision you make. At the heart of this battle lies one pressing question: Will you be dominated by self or by Christ?
You don’t have to look far to see what self wants. It craves attention, comfort, and control. It insists on having the final say. But when Christ is your Lord, He doesn’t just offer a better way—He is the way. The challenge is real, and it’s one you face daily. So how do you know who’s ruling in your heart?
Understanding the Nature of Self
Self, in its natural state, is fallen. The Apostle Paul didn’t sugarcoat it when he said, “For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing…” (Romans 7:18). Left unchecked, your flesh doesn’t lead you toward God—it pulls you away. It thrives on pride, independence, and self-justification.
That old man—the self—is stubborn. It’ll promise freedom but chain you to sin. It’ll whisper things like, “You deserve this,” or, “You can handle it your way.” But deep down, you know better. Without Christ reigning, your self becomes a cruel master, and the fruits it bears are bitterness, frustration, and emptiness.
Christ’s Lordship Is a Daily Decision
Surrendering to Christ isn’t something you did once and moved on from. It’s a decision you make every morning before your feet hit the floor. Jesus said, “If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me.” (Luke 9:23)
You can’t follow Christ and drag self along for the ride. Denying yourself doesn’t mean hating your existence—it means refusing to let your own desires sit on the throne of your life. When Christ is Lord, He shapes your decisions, softens your heart, and fills your steps with purpose.
Signs You’re Led by Self
Take a moment and examine your recent choices. Are you harboring offense? Avoiding God’s voice? Choosing what feels good over what’s right? Those are signals that self might be running the show. Paul warns believers, “To be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.” (Romans 8:6)
If peace is missing from your life, if you’re restless or filled with strife, check who’s sitting on the throne. The self-dominated life is exhausting—it demands much but gives little. And no matter how much you feed it, it’s never satisfied.
What It Looks Like to Be Dominated by Christ
When Christ is in charge, your life takes on a new direction. You find yourself loving people who are hard to love. You start walking in patience, even when the day feels long. You feel conviction instead of guilt—and that conviction draws you closer, not farther away.
Paul said, “I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me…” (Galatians 2:20). That’s what domination by Christ looks like. It’s not you living a slightly better life—it’s Him living His life through you.
And here’s the beautiful truth: being dominated by Christ brings freedom, not bondage. Where self demands, Christ provides. Where self enslaves, Christ delivers.
So, Who’s Ruling in You?
You can’t serve both self and the Savior. One will always override the other. Jesus said it plainly: “No man can serve two masters…” (Matthew 6:24). If you belong to Christ, the Holy Spirit lives in you. But His voice is often quiet—gentle, but persistent. Are you listening?
Let this be the question you carry into every decision today: Is this from self, or from Christ? When you pause long enough to ask, He’s faithful to answer.
Final Thought:
Every day you’re choosing which kingdom to serve. Self’s kingdom may feel comfortable at first, but it leads to ruin. Christ’s kingdom may require surrender, but it ends in joy, peace, and eternal purpose. The throne of your heart has only one seat—so who’s sitting on it?