My Lord

As Christians I think we do a disservice by the phrases we use. There are many examples. “Lord of my life” is the one that comes to mind today. We say Jesus is “Lord of my life.” That makes him sound a little like a concierge’, someone who has the duty of keeping our life straight. It sounds like his “job” is to make sure we are healthy, wealthy and wise. It also seems to make Him the responsible party when things don’t go right. If we are sick or unemployed, can’t pay the bills or parent like a drunken sailor, we think, “that’s okay, Jesus has this.” We sit around waiting for things to happen, for our ministry moment to arise “consoling” ourselves with the thought that it’s just not Jesus’ timing yet.

I think we say “Lord of my life” instead of “My Lord” because the later phrase puts some responsibility on us. It acknowledges ownership and not just a right of organization. Jesus is more than our calendar keeper and preparer of our to-do list. I’m not saying Jesus isn’t “Lord of my life.” I’m saying He’s much more.  He’s Lord of everything.

We make it worse by the words we attach to the phrase. I “made” Him “Lord of my life.” Really? I “accepted” Him as Lord. I don’t think so. Let’s get this straight. He is Lord. We don’t make Him Lord; the Father did that. We don’t give Him permission to be Lord. He doesn’t need that. He chooses, for a time to allow us some freedom. Perhaps the better phrase would be “acknowledge Him as My Lord.” I like that. One day all will acknowledge him. By getting the jump on the rest of the world, we put our priorities straight. We begin to act like we are His; and look more like Him.

His Lordship is a fact. For now, we can either acknowledge it and live so or rage against it and die so. It amazes me how difficult a choice that appears to be for so many.

For many who use the phrase, “Lord of my Life,” I get it. It’s not wrong; it’s just not complete, and a bit misleading. Many of you understand Lordship better than I do. Many of you know Him closer as Lord. I’m just suggesting we speak as clearly and plainly as possible about the things that matter eternally. Like Pastor Jason on Sunday, I want us to  grasp completely all that it means to be a Christian and how radical and wonderful that really is.

Blessings.

Nick