The holidays are almost here, and as the pace of life picks up, many of us feel pulled in a hundred directions. It’s a season filled with gatherings, giving, and good intentions. But sometimes, these days help us drift into habits and routines that feel familiar but lack depth. This is a great time to pause and think about a question Jesus asked in Luke 6:46. He said, “Why do you call me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ and not do what I say?”
Those words are direct. They don’t try to make us feel guilty, but they should wake us up a bit. Calling Jesus “Lord” means something. It is supposed to show up in how we live, not just what we say on Sundays. Maybe you’ve walked with Jesus for years, or maybe you’re still figuring out what you believe. This question matters for anyone—what does it really mean to call Him Lord and live like it?
What Calling Jesus “Lord” Really Means
When you say Jesus is Lord, it means you trust Him to lead your life, not just when it’s easy or when you already agree, but always. Lord isn’t just a church word or a title like Mr. or Mrs. It means He’s in charge, and we follow. That kind of relationship goes deep. It shows up in your choices and priorities.
If we’re being honest, there are times all of us nod in agreement during a message and slide back into our old routines by Monday. It’s easy to say the right things, especially in church. The hard part is living them out.
Jesus is looking for real change, not just polite agreement. He wants our actions to match our words. That doesn’t mean being perfect, but being honest and making an effort every day.
When Obedience Doesn’t Come Easy
Most of us can remember a time when following God felt like too much. Maybe what He asked made us uncomfortable, or maybe we were just worn out. This feeling isn’t new. Jonah’s story is a perfect example.
God told Jonah to go share a message with people he didn’t even want to see. Nineveh had a painful history that likely hit close to home for Jonah. He went the other way, not saying no directly but delaying, making excuses, and dodging what God wanted. Even after the storm and the fish, God stuck with Jonah. God had a purpose for Nineveh, but He also had a plan for Jonah’s heart.
Obedience can look like stepping into something hard before we ever feel ready. We may want to wait until we have all the answers or until we agree with God. If we do that, we may never act. God’s plans push us, but they open the door to something better than just staying in the same spot.
Why God’s Commands Are for Our Good
God’s commands aren’t just a bunch of rules to make our lives harder. His “no” always has a bigger “yes” behind it. He wants the best for us, so He points out things that end up causing hurt. Even if it doesn’t feel that way at first, His way is all about healing us.
Think about things like lying, gossip, lust, or bitterness. They hurt others, but they hurt us too. God says no to them because they break trust and create distance. He’s not okay with that. That’s why sometimes He asks us to forgive, make peace, or walk away from something even if we think we need it.
These tough commands actually come from love. Not the soft and easy kind, but a love that fights for us and doesn’t want us stuck in cycles that harm us. When we decide to let go of the things that hold us back, we open the door to real peace. That peace goes deeper and lasts longer than happiness that changes with our mood.
Along with regular Sunday services where anyone can come as they are, the church provides small groups to help people connect and grow together. These groups focus on building honest friendships and walking out faith together, no matter what life throws your way.
How to Start Saying “Yes” to God
Saying yes to God doesn’t usually begin with a big, impressive moment. Most of the time it starts with small choices that add up over time. You might say, “God, I’ll be kind even when I’m upset,” or “I’ll forgive someone, even if I don’t feel like it.” As you make these decisions, your heart starts to change a little each time.
The Holy Spirit is here to help you. When you feel too weak or confused, you can say a quick prayer, “God, help me trust you with this.” When He leads—through a message, a conversation, or just a nudge deep down—you can practice saying yes, even if it’s only a whisper.
You might wonder what these small “yes” moments look like. Here are some examples:
– Speaking honestly when a lie would be easier.
– Giving your time or sharing something you have, even when it feels hard.
– Choosing to walk away from things that pull you away from God.
– Deciding when to step forward or when to stay quiet if you know that’s what God wants.
Each time you say yes, you build trust. Before long, you’ll notice your choices lining up more closely with what you really believe.
Another way the church encourages these steps is through Next Steps classes that help people learn about faith, baptism, serving, and finding purpose. These classes are open to all and are part of how the church supports real, everyday spiritual growth.
Don’t Just Hear—Build on the Rock
Jesus explained that the person who hears His words and actually does them is like someone who digs deep and builds a house on solid rock. When a storm rolls in—and it will—the house stands strong.
If we only listen and never do anything, our lives are like houses built on sand. They look fine on the outside, but when trouble hits, everything can fall apart. Many people let church become just a weekly routine. We listen, we nod, but then we go back to the same habits and patterns.
Church is more than a good tradition. It should shape how we live our everyday lives. If we let it become just a moment instead of ongoing training, we miss out. Growth happens when we put what we learn into practice, not just when we get inspired.
A Life That Says “Yes” to the Lord
Fully following Jesus isn’t about always having the right answer. It’s about trusting the one who does. Saying Jesus is Lord is not about just saying the right words out loud—it’s proven by the way we choose to live.
As time passes, you’ll see changes. You’ll become more steady, more open-hearted, and more honest. No one is perfect, but the more time we spend with Jesus, the more we start to want what He wants. Our choices start to reflect our actual beliefs, not just our best intentions.
You don’t have to pretend to be perfect or know exactly what to do each time. All you have to do is be willing. God meets you every time you say yes, and He sticks with you even when you trip up along the way.
If He’s calling you to trust, to forgive, to speak up, or to change direction, don’t wait until you feel ready. Say yes, even if it’s small. Keep saying yes each time He leads. God goes ahead of you and stays beside you, every step of the way.
Trusting Him With Every Step
Calling Jesus “Lord” means trusting Him more than your own comfort, plans, or timing. It means believing that He sees the big picture, even when it’s difficult to understand.
As this busy season picks up, let your “yes” to God stand out, no matter what else is going on. We aren’t meant to get stuck just knowing the right thing. We are invited to move, listen, and put our faith into action.
Obedience isn’t about being flawless. It’s simply about taking your next step, right where you are, every single day.
Taking the next step of faith can be challenging, but we believe real peace and growth come on the other side of saying yes to God. Whether you’re just starting out or hoping for a fresh start, walking with others makes a big difference. At Amarillo Fellowship Church, we’re here to live out what we believe—not just on Sundays, but every day. If you’re looking for a place to belong and grow, come see what it’s like to be part of a spirit-filled church.