"Why do you call me ‘Lord, Lord,’ and not do what I tell you?"

Probably one of the most disturbing questions...

[Jesus asked] "Why do you call me ‘Lord, Lord,’ and not do what I tell you?" (Luke 6:46 ESV)

Why give Jesus a title of respect if we do not give Him our ultimate respect of obedience?

Proof is in action! Absolutely, it is important to have the right confession of faith. Absolutely, no doubt, what we believe is extremely important. However, we cannot say we really believe it if we don't live it.

"Lord, Lord..." --- think about that for a moment...
it's polite...it sounds nice
it's orthodox...it sounds right
it's fervent...saying it twice for emphasis
it's public...saying out-loud in front of others

Of the sister passage in Matthew 7, William Barclay said, "There is only one way in which a man's sincerity can be proved, and that is by his practice. Fine words can never be a substitute for fine deeds. There is only one proof of love, and that proof is obedience. ... So often we confess God with our lips and deny Him with our lives. It is not difficult to recite a creed, but it is difficult to live the Christian life. Faith without practice is a contradiction in terms, and love without obedience is an impossibility."

Just think about abuse cases... many a battering man has told a battered woman "you know I love you" and then slapped her around. Words ring hollow and pain runs deep.

We KNOW real love, real submission to God in Christ is expressed in obedience. We KNOW it!

Jesus would say to many of us, "Why do you call me 'Lord, Lord' and not do what I tell you?" Why, indeed.

Let us not play games. IF you say "Lord, Lord," live it! If you won't live it, don't lie to your own mind or heart, and don't lie to your neighbor.

Do you call Jesus "Lord"?
Does that work out in obedience?