An Uncomfortable Lordship

An Uncomfortable Lordship

Read: Luke 6:46-49

“Why do you call me ‘Lord, Lord,’ and do not do what I say?”

Luke 6:46

“The beginning of self-mastery is to be mastered by Christ.”

—D. G. Kehl

IN WORD How often we try to affirm the lordship of Christ with as little discomfort as possible! Even nonbelievers have noticed a curious phenomenon: Many Christians make very little effort to actually apply the teachings of Jesus to their lives. We ask Him to save us but may not expect Him to transform us. We call Him “Lord” but just know He wouldn’t challenge our innermost being. We find exceptions to almost all of His commands. “Go into all the world” (Mark 16:15). But not there, we assume. “Love your enemies” (Matthew 5:44). But not him, we suppose. “Any of you who does not give up everything he has cannot be my disciple” (Luke 14:33). But surely not really everything.

We forget that the nature of God in Christ is radically contrary to the nature of man in Adam. If it were not so, we could have adapted to the holiness of God and saved ourselves. But we could not; it was not in our nature to do so. And it is not in our nature to conform to the lordship of Christ. His authority often does violence to the self we’ve cultivated.

IN DEED Let’s not misunderstand—His lordship isn’t another external law placed upon our unwilling hearts. He gets inside us. He transforms us from within. His work may be uncomfortable, but there is an overcoming—and loving— power in it.

So what is the answer to His question? Why do we call Him “Lord” and do not do what He says? Perhaps we do not know how thoroughly He plans to change us. Perhaps we do not ask Him to change us from within. Or maybe we have asked but don’t really believe He can overcome our obstinacy. We know ourselves too well, and Him not enough.

Understand, ask, and believe. Change is the heart of His gospel.