Why do you call me Lord, and not do what I tell you? – Luke 6:46
As you study the teachings of Jesus, there is a powerful statement nestled between two very well-known passages. In between the analogy of good and bad trees and the parable of wise and foolish builders, there is a quick one-two punch. Jesus asks His listeners to examine the connection between what you say you believe and what you choose to do!
The book of James in the Bible is direct in addressing the “do’s” of walking out your Christian Faith. It is important to note the apostle James never directs someone to work for salvation, rather he illuminates the path of daily life for those working out their salvation after accepting Christ, e.g. living as His disciples. He states if anyone is a hearer only of the words of Christ and not a doer, then that person’s religion is worthless. He points out the difference between those merely claiming to be Jesus’ followers and those truly walking with Christ.
The parable of the builders in Luke expands a similar concept into a picture of your faith journey as a construction project. Those erecting a building on the solid foundation of Jesus Christ, putting His teachings into practice, are assured the storms of life will never blow their faith away. However, those who do not accept the will of Christ and His ways will not be able to stand the winds of temptation and will be overcome, and get “washed away.“
Ask God to show you where you might be hearing but not living out His will. Pray for the people and officials of America to be bold in doing what is right among the nations and that believers in positions of leadership will seek the Lord’s direction and then do it!
Today’s Verse: Luke 6:46
Why do you call me ‘Lord, Lord,’ and not do what I tell you?
All Scripture quotations and audio are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Recommended for further reading: 1 John 2:2-6
2 He is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the sins of the whole world. 3 And by this we know that we have come to know him, if we keep his commandments. 4 Whoever says “I know him” but does not keep his commandments is a liar, and the truth is not in him, 5 but whoever keeps his word, in him truly the love of God is perfected. By this we may know that we are in him: 6 whoever says he abides in him ought to walk in the same way in which he walked.
All Scripture quotations and audio are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
