"The real enemies of Christ are not the poor fallen people on the streets, but those who profess holiness, yet never let Him eradicate the self-centered disposition inside of them."  --Oswald Chambers

Within the devotional thought that the above quote comes from Oswald Chambers refers to the "reins of our lives" and inquires as to who is holding them--us or Jesus.  The issue is not how dirty or immoral we are, nor how clean and upright we are.  The issue is our hearts and who is in control.  

We may hold Jesus in our minds and hearts in a sentimental, honoring and admiring way and yet still hold the reins of our lives in our own hands.  Maybe, at one time Jesus held the reins of your life, but at some point along life's journey you have taken them back from him.

There is a daily dynamic at the core of our lives with God that is called "relationship."  Every day we are faced with the choice to live for ourselves or live for God...to live in self-centeredness or to live in trust.  We can either take up the reins of our life or hand them over to Jesus.

In Luke 9:23 Jesus says, ""If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me."

The friend or foe of Jesus is not realized in sinfulness or sanctity, but in surrender.