This should not be.
Scripture:
Luke 6:46-49
46 “Why do you call Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ and do not do what I say?47 “Everyone who comes to Me and hears My words and acts on them, I will show you whom he is like:48 he is like a man building a house, who dug deep and laid a foundation on the rock; and when a flood occurred, the torrent burst against that house and could not shake it, because it had been well built.49 “But the one who has heard and has not acted accordingly, is like a man who built a house on the ground without any foundation; and the torrent burst against it and immediately it collapsed, and the ruin of that house was great.”
Observation:
The question posed by Jesus is a deep and convicting question. I can’t call Jesus Lord but not do what he says. It doesn’t fit. I’m quick to call Jesus Lord but do I am I fully obedient? The one who does walk in obedience will stand strong no matter what the adversity. Am I well built? But the one who has heard and not acted accordingly immediately collapses in the time of adversity and it caused a great ruin.
Application:
What do I need to do to align my words with my actions? Am I headed towards a great ruin or am I standing on a solid unmovable foundation? Leading an undisciplined life, a disobedient life has led to frustration and unaccomplished goals. To live a life like this is really the epitome of hypocrisy. I’m quick to say, “Lord, Lord,” but not as quick to obey. I have filled my life with lots of spiritual talk and church-isms but never truly walking in “the Way”. That way requires dying to self and letting go of immediate pleasures and instant gratification. It means learning to say, “No” to what I want right now so I can say “Yes” to what God wants to do in and through my life.
It is the difference between “Be-ing” and “Do-ing”. If I want to “Be” a man of deep character or if I want to “Be” wealthy and healthy I can’t “Do” whatever I want. When I’m living in the Doing, I’m constantly selling the Being short for what I want to Do right now. If I want to Be self-disciplined then when what I want to Do is sleep in, I can’t or else I’ll end up Being lazy, etc. etc.
Prayer:
Lord, I need the complete work of Christ in my life. I can’t even obey correctly. Thank you for your grace and for working in and through my life. Please continue to work in and through me. I ask for your help in letting go of an undisciplined life of “Doing” so I can “Be” who I need to be. I know this area has to be taken care of if I’m going to enjoy the rewards of a life of real character. It’s the little choices that make such a big difference. I don’t want you looking at me and saying, “Why do you call me Lord, but do not do what I say?” This shouldn’t be! Help me to walk in obedience today.
