25/10/2024
The Lordship Test
In Luke 6:46 Jesus laments, “Why do you call me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ and do not do what I say?”
According to this verse, a person’s Lord is the one who the person chooses to obey. For most people that would be themself. They choose to obey their own wants, feelings and desire for prestige rather than Jesus’ word. Sometimes an employer can become a lord when we decide to comply with company policy rather than Jesus’ word. Sometimes it’s a spouse. Or a group we desire to be valued by. There are many voices calling for our devotion, our commitment to as lord. And God has given us the freedom to choose whom we serve.
Of course, as Christians we must choose to obey Jesus’ word whatever the cost. Yes, it may cost us our job, our wealth, our prestige, our friends, family and even our life but because Jesus rose from the dead, it is easily worth it. Hebrews 11 gives us a list of Old Testament believers who didn’t just know God’s word but did it. The summary of the trials, tribulations and persecutions which attended their decision to obey God is bleak. However, every one of them considered it all worthwhile in order to be ‘commended for their faith’ (verse 39).
The apostle Paul had many very important issues to raise with the church at Corinth. These were serious problems that needed immediate attention and it was Paul’s job to address them. However, in first Corinthians 1, Paul begins by gushing about his Lord, mentioning Jesus ten times in the first nine verses before he even mentions any of the problems. Why? Because Paul was wholly committed to Jesus and couldn’t help but talk about Him. Paul’s every motive was based on the lordship of Jesus.This is another sign of lordship. Who does a person talk about the most? Themself? Their spouse and / or children? Their sports stars? Movie stars? Their Saviour?
How can you tell who is someone’s lord? Easy - just take note of whose word they choose to follow. And listen to who it is they talk about the most.
