The One or the Plus One?

Lord, Are You the One—or the Plus One—in my life?

This question settled in my spirit this morning as I listened to Trample by Kim Walker-Smith. As I worshiped, I found myself reflecting on the power of God and the undeniable reality of who He is.

The kind of real that meets us not just in worship, but in every corner of our life.

So, I questioned what is this life anyway?

Well, in this life Jesus told us plainly that we will face tribulations (John 16:33). We do have a real enemy - who devours hope, wants to keep us from the fullness of our life, and wants to destroy us (1 Peter 5:8). These battles aren’t just emotional or circumstance – they’re spiritual (Ephesians 6:12).

BUT GOD.

He has already given us authority over every enemy (Luke 10:19). God himself tells us that (Not if—but when) we face the waters, the fire, and overwhelming places, He will be there with us! (Isaiah 43:2).

This life is not exempt from hardship.But neither is it void of His presence.

And that truth brought me to a deeper question:If this life is real—if the struggles and battles are unfolding in real time—then how real is the place Jesus holds in my life?

Is He truly the One? Or just a plus one?

Culturally, a plus one is someone invited alongside the main guest—present, but not the focus. A welcome addition, but not the reason the event exists. And yet, I wonder how often we treat Jesus that way. We include Him, yes—but do we give Him center stage? Do we actually let Him lead?

Do we come to Him with a heart surrendered and free of agenda? Do we truly allow Him to renew our minds and guide us in making wise decisions that shape our everyday lives—how we lead our families, steward our influence, and honor Him in our work? Or have we become so distracted by the culture around us that He’s been reduced to a quick prayer at the end of the day—a plus one we turn to only when we’re in a bind?

I’m not pointing fingers—I am talking to myself here!!

You know the world has this saying, “play around and find out”. Well… I can’t help to think of the Israelites in the wilderness…. We too, can, “wander around and die”.

Just like the Israelites in the wilderness—we can live our whole lives in cycles of obedience and rebellion, never stepping into the promises of God. Wandering. Circling. Settling for survival, never entering into the fullness of God.

I’ve felt this restlessness in this season. And I don’t want to die in my wandering.

This life is real. The wilderness is real. But so is the Promised Land—and I want it. I want everything God has for me.

Can you imagine the heartbreak of standing before God and seeing all that could have been?

What He had planned—the way He designed your gifts to be used, the people your obedience could have reached, the freedom that could’ve flowed through your yes!

And instead, you (I) buried our talent in the ground? (Matthew 25:14–30)

Ya’ll… no. That would break my heart.

I don’t want to live in the “what could’ve been.” I want to walk in the fullness. And will I do it perfectly? 1,000% no.

I’m with Paul when he says, "I am the chief of sinners.” (1 Timothy 1:15)

I’m Peter when he looked at the waves and started to sink. (Matthew 14:29–30)

But Paul finished his race. (2 Timothy 4:7) Not because he was strong—but because the One who called him was faithful. (Philippians 1:6)

And Peter—he still walked on water!! He still preached the gospel. He still finished his race too.

I’m encouraged by these messy, real humans. Because if the Lord was faithful to them, I know He’ll be faithful to me.

He still comes back for the one. (Luke 15:4)

So no—Jesus is not my accessory. He’s not my backup plan. He’s not my afterthought. I choose to live unapologetically Christian. In love. In surrender. In worship. I believe Jesus is the Son of God. That He died and rose again.

As a mother, a therapist, a sister in Christ—I declare this boldly: there is nothing in me, nothing in my limited knowledge, that brings transformation. Anything good that flows from my life is because of Him and for Him.

I won’t bow to the world just to be accepted. And like Esther said, “If I perish, I perish.” (Esther 4:16)

I’d rather miss out on what the world has for me, if it means I can finish the race the Lord set before me.

So today’s reflection:  Is He the One—or just your plus one?

Reflection Corner

• Where in your life have you invited Jesus, but not surrendered to Him?

• Are there areas you’ve been wandering instead of walking in obedience?

• How would your decisions change if Jesus was the center, not the add-on?

Practical Takeaways

• Pray honestly: “Lord, show me where I’ve treated You as optional.”

• Re-center your week around His Word—not just when we're in a bind (Anyone else? No? Just me? Ok. lol)

• Write down one step of obedience you’ve been delaying—and get to it :)

Shalom and grace,

Lis