Luke 6:46-49
“Why do you call me ‘Lord, Lord,’ and do not do what I tell you? I will show you what someone is like who comes to me, hears my words, and acts on them. That one is like a man building a house, who dug deeply and laid the foundation on rock; when a flood arose, the river burst against that house but could not shake it, because it had been well built. But the one who hears and does not act is like a man who built a house on the ground without a foundation. When the river burst against it, immediately it fell, and great was the ruin of that house.”
Actions speak louder than words.
I think I’ve said that to my kids at least a hundred times. Probably because my parents said it to me at least two hundred times! 🙂
In this case, Jesus’ point to the crowds and disciples listening isn’t really all that different than the words parents offer their children. Anyone can call Jesus “Lord.” That doesn’t mean he is their lord.
The one who takes Jesus as Lord is not the one who makes the bold confession, or has a religious experience, or invites Jesus into his or her heart, or can tell a dramatic conversation story, or was brought to church by parents, or made a large gift to a congregation, etc.
The one who takes Jesus as Lord is the one who tries to follow Jesus. The one who shapes his or her life around the example and teaching of Jesus. It’s that simple, and that hard.
Much, as Jesus says, is at stake in this decision. Wisdom, keep in mind, is meant to guide one to live a good life. Hence, the one who follows Jesus’ teaching has a strong foundation for life; the one who doesn’t, well, doesn’t.
Notice, though, that Jesus isn’t attaching salvation to any of this. He is offering wisdom and inviting people to follow through on their words with action. None of this makes us God’s children. That remains a sheer gift.
Prayer: Dear God, guide us in the path of wisdom that we may confess Jesus as Lord in deed as well as word. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
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