What do I give to the King?

Why do you call Me ‘Lord, Lord,’ and do not do what I say? - Luke 6:46 (LSB)

Every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. - Philippians 2:11(LSB)

At the heart of the Christian faith stands a simple yet searching confession: Jesus Christ is Lord. This declaration is more than doctrinal accuracy—it is a call to surrender. Christ is Lord by divine right, whether I acknowledge Him or not. The real question is whether I joyfully submit to His authority.

If Jesus is not Lord of all, He is not Lord at all. - A. W. Tozer

Jesus does not offer Himself in parts - Savior without King, forgiveness without authority. Scripture presents Him as both. True faith receives Him as He is—Lord and Savior.

The gospel Jesus preached was a call to discipleship, a call to follow Him in submissive obedience, not just a call to make a decision. - John MacArthur

And this is how we know [daily, by experience] that we have come to know Him [to understand Him and be more deeply acquainted with Him]: if we habitually keep [focused on His precepts and obey] His commandments (teachings). 1 John 2:3 (Amplified Bible)

The struggle of the Christian life is often not whether I believe in Jesus, but whether I trust Him enough to obey. It is possible to confess Christ with my lips while quietly resisting His rule in my choices, priorities, and desires. Yet Jesus Himself asks why anyone would call Him Lord while refusing His commands. Obedience does not earn salvation, but it inevitably flows from it. Where Christ truly reigns, fruit will follow.

But when the Holy Spirit controls our lives he will produce this kind of fruit in us: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. - Galatians 5:22-23a (Living Bible)

The lordship of Christ leaves no neutral ground. There is no corner of life—my time, my ambitions, my relationships, my resources—where Christ has no claim. This truth is not meant to burden me, but to free me. Christ is a gracious King. His authority is exercised in love, His commands lead to life, and His rule brings peace.

This truth invites honest self-examination.
Do I submit to Christ when His Word challenges me?
Do I grieve over sin, or excuse it?
Do my patterns of life reflect repentance and growth in holiness?
Is obedience my desire, or merely an occasional duty?
When following Christ is costly or inconvenient, does my allegiance remain?

The good news is that the One who commands my surrender is the same One who gave His life for my salvation. He does not call me to bow before a harsh tyrant, but before a crucified and risen King. Each day, I am invited to bow again—not in fear, but in faith. When Christ reigns in my heart, obedience becomes worship, and surrender becomes joy.

And so, dear brothers and sisters, I plead with you to give your bodies to God because of all he has done for you. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice—the kind he will find acceptable. This is truly the way to worship him. Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect. - Romans 12:1-2 (NLT)

Lord Jesus Christ, You are exalted above every name, and You are Lord. Search my heart and reveal any area where I resist Your authority. Grant me repentance where I cling to control, and strengthen my faith where obedience is hard. May my life bear clear evidence that I belong to You, and may everything I am declare that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. Amen.

Be Encouraged to give your obedience and submit to the Lordship of Christ.



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