Taking God Seriously

So why do you keep calling me ‘Lord, Lord!’ when you don’t do what I say?
Luke 6:46, NLT*

Jesus’ miracles proved His power, authority and compassion. His message was direct and understandable, except when cloaked in parables. People flocked to Him.

Yet here, after a very practical sermon, He accuses them of not doing what He says. And He warns that putting His words into practice will be the difference between stability and disaster (Luke 6:46-49).

He’s just told them to love, bless, do good, not to judge or condemn, to forgive and be generous to friend and enemy alike. He’s told them to live like Himself, minus the miracles.

He tells us the same thing, sometimes through the Holy Spirit in our hearts, but it’s pretty plain in Scripture as well. And we have the Spirit to enable us.

God tells us how to live. And He means what He says. We need to take Him seriously:

  • for our own health (He designed us and knows us best);
  • as examples to show His love and care and righteousness;
  • to keep close to Him instead of letting us drift away;
  • because unrighteousness offends Him; and
  • because He has the authority to require it.

God our Creator and Redeemer, what is it we’re not doing that You say? Help us to hear and to obey, for our own sakes and for the sake of Your Kingdom – and to please Your heart. Forgive us for the times we’ve lived as if obedience were optional. Help us submit fully to Your authority in our lives, with complete trust in Your goodness.

If we lived like Jesus meant what He said, Matt Redman is right: “We Could Change the World.”

*New Living Translation (NLT) Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004, 2007 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

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