The True Value (part 1 of 2)

The statement has been frequently made that “talk is cheap.” What that means is it is often easier to say something than to really mean it in a manner in which there is follow through that reflects the truth of what has been declared. When words cease to hold true value, such creates distrust among people since they begin to perceive what is spoken actually possesses little or no worth at all. How much more serious this is when we think mere words or the use of particular religious terminology will work in our relationship with Jesus.

Jesus emphatically declared. . .
“(21) 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)

For us to say “LORD, LORD”, would it be merely lip service, or does our life actually reflect an acknowledgment of HIS LORDSHIP? To say the words is one thing, but for Jesus to truly be the LORD OF OUR LIFE is something very far reaching and impacting for daily living.

What did the LORDSHIP of Jesus mean to Paul? We read. . .
“(20) as it is my eager expectation and hope that I will not be at all ashamed, but that with full courage now as always CHRIST WILL BE HONORED IN MY BODY, whether BY LIFE OR BY DEATH. (21) FOR TO ME TO LIVE IS CHRIST, and to die is gain.” ( Philippians 1:20-21 ESV)

Whatever the situation, Paul’s focus was toward honoring Christ. Christ had become the essence of his life and even if he faced death because of the relationship, he would honor Christ in that as well. Also, in writing to the church at Rome, Paul encouraged those Christians to focus toward the reality of whether they lived or died it was to be “TO THE LORD” because that is to Whom they belonged! ( Romans 14:7-8) Therefore, let us understand that “LORD, LORD” is not to be viewed as the magic words that open doors or are simply used to get us in on His good graces. It is to be about a genuine relationship with Him where we have willingly surrendered to His Sovereignty over our life.

Though we should not be hesitant to say the words, Jesus clearly implied that just saying “LORD, LORD” is not enough. HIS LORDSHIP will be made evident through our willingness to submit to the Will of our Father in heaven. Part of that Will is to allow Jesus to truly be the Lord of our entire being. May our life continually reflect the genuineness of that relationship.

Have a great day ENJOYING THE RICHENESS OF A GENUINE RELATIONSHIP WITH OUR LORD!
Carl

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