AUTHORITY OVER OUR LIVES

Jesus asked, “Why do you call Me, 'LORD, LORD,' and do not do what I say?”  (Luke 6:46 NIV)

We are all obedient to someone or something. In our day and time, particularly in Western culture, we like to think of ourselves as individuals, the masters of our own destiny, self-made people. These notions of our own autonomy and individuality, however, are simply fantasies. We are shaped by culture. We are influenced by family and friends. We meet people whom we emulate, perhaps without even knowing it. At times we become enamored with charismatic leaders. We fall under the influence of advertising. The question is not whether someone or something exerts authority over our lives, but who or what does.

To say that Jesus is Lord means that we are intentionally giving Him authority over our lives. It means that we are committing ourselves to obeying what He taught. 

-- David Watson, in a chapter entitled “When Jesus Is Lord” from the book “A Firm Foundation”

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