We can look at a relationship with Jesus from two sides: I have Christ, and Christ has me. We mostly live in the first side, “I have Christ.”

When we first put our faith in Christ, the most incredible thing happened — God delivered a boatload of blessings, including forgiveness, empowerment, guidance, love, peace, answered prayer and eternal life.

Because of those personal blessings, “I have Christ” is my primary perspective; I think in terms of what God can do for me. I am praying for forgiveness, wisdom, resources and help in my trials.

When I read my Bible, I am looking for encouragement, assurance, answers, guidance and courage. It is all about what I need and want. God is so pleased to be asked.

But the second side of a relationship with Christ, “Christ has me,” is equally important. When we put our faith in Christ to begin this relationship, Colossians 1:13,14 (NASB) says, “For He delivered us from the domain of darkness, and transferred us to the kingdom of His beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.”

With this transfer, we became a resident of His kingdom with Jesus as King. Christ has me.

When my perspective includes “Christ has me,” my prayers and Bible reading will focus on discerning what God wants. I begin to read the Scriptures to understand His claim on my life.

My prayer life becomes less about my wants and more about what God wants. What decision does He want me to make, who does He want me to encourage, how does He want to use me, and where does He want me to serve?

If our perspective in the Christian life is only “I have Christ,” our relationship with God becomes self-centered. Shift the focus to “Christ has me,” and life becomes more God-centered.

Want to pick up the pace from a walk to a run in your relationship with Christ? Keep “Christ has me” in your sights.