Saying the Name!

The name of Jesus is to be held above all names. ( Philippians 2:9) It should be very special to us. But when we say His name, what does it really mean to us?

Jesus warned…
“Not everyone who says to me, ‘LORD, LORD,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven.”
( Matthew 7:21 ESV)

On another occasion Jesus asked…
“Why do you call me ‘LORD, LORD,’ and not do what I tell you?” (Luke
6:46 ESV)

What Jesus was implying is that it must be more than words. Just calling ourselves His disciples does not make it so! There are many who wear the name “Christian” while living very unlike Christ. They may worship regularly. They may even pray, “Thy will be done”, yet turn to do their own thing. Such is hypocrisy.

In Matthew 7 Jesus went on to point to some who claimed actions performed in His name. ( Matthew 7:22) However, it appears these actions were in accordance with their own will rather than the Lord’s and would therefore not be acknowledged. ( Matthew 7:23) Simply being a “name dropper” as if Jesus’ name was part of some magic formula is not proper acknowledgement of His LORDSHIP. Luke recorded the account of some who got into trouble when they tried to use the name of Jesus. ( Acts 19:13-17) We are not truly submitting to the LORDSHIP of Christ when we do our own thing and attempt to stamp it with His Name. Our service may benefit others, but will not be pleasing to the LORD if our attitude is, “Lord, we have come up with this plan and expect you to validate it!”

What does it truly mean to acknowledge Christ as LORD? It is to be willing to die to self so that we live to Him; that He becomes the very essence of our life. It is to humbly submit to seeking and doing His Will.
It is to be willing to serve His purposes in life. It is to acknowledge His sovereignty over all. It is to truly acknowledge Him as our Master; the owner or possessor of our life.

Is our life truly marked by sincere reverential submission to the LORDSHIP of Christ? Or have we merely learned to speak the language. Again, “LORD, LORD” is not a magic phrase that get us what we want or just gets us in good with the Savior. When spoken, these must be words that reflect a true relationship to Him. There are many who talk the talk, but do not walk the walk! Rather than merely associating the Lord’s name with our actions, we need to have our lives wholly associated with Him and His Will.

Note the reading again from the New Living Translation.
“Not all people who sound religious are really godly. They MAY REFER TO ME AS ‘LORD,’ but they still won’t enter the Kingdom of Heaven. THE DECISIVE ISSUE IS WHETHER THEY OBEY MY FATHER IN HEAVEN.” ( Matthew 7:21 NLT)

May we truly seek to live a life in tune with the Will of God. As we sincerely pray for God’s Will to be done on earth as it is in heaven, let it begin in the soil of our own heart as the ground on which all our words and actions spring forth and produce fruit to His glory!

Have a great day WALKING IN TRUE DISCIPLESHIP!
Carl

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