Lord of All or Not at All: Can You Truly Call Him Lord?

 

Lord of All or Not at All: Can You Truly Call Him Lord?

In the Christian faith, we often declare Jesus as Lord, a title that signifies authority, power, and supreme rulership. But what does it truly mean to call Him “Lord”? If we fail to surrender every area of our lives—our relationships, finances, decisions, and desires—can we honestly claim He is our Lord at all? This challenging question invites us to deeply reflect on the depth of our commitment. Scripture teaches us that Jesus demands not partial, but total lordship over our lives. Through an expanded exploration of His Word, we’ll uncover what it means to fully submit and honor Him as Lord.

The Call for Total Surrender

Luke 6:46

"Why do you call me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ and do not do what I say?" This verse highlights the hypocrisy of empty declarations. Calling Jesus “Lord” without living in obedience to His Word is a contradiction. True lordship requires action—walking in His teachings and aligning our choices with His commands. Jesus challenges us to examine whether our lives reflect what we profess. A life submitted to His lordship is marked by trust, obedience, and a desire to honor Him in every aspect. Without obedience, our words lose meaning, and we risk a shallow faith that does not honor the title we give Him.

Romans 14:8

"If we live, we live for the Lord; and if we die, we die for the Lord. So, whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord." This verse powerfully underscores the totality of Jesus’ lordship. To belong to Christ is to give Him sovereignty over every aspect of life and even death. It’s a call to live for His glory in all we do, trusting that our lives are not our own but His. Whether in moments of joy or trial, living under His lordship brings assurance that we are His, fully and forever.

Divided Allegiance is No Allegiance

Matthew 6:24

"No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money." Jesus confronts the danger of divided loyalty. If anything—wealth, ambition, or pleasure—rivals God’s place in our hearts, we cannot fully serve Him. True lordship demands singular devotion, free of competing priorities. This verse challenges us to evaluate our hearts: what competes with God for our attention and allegiance? To call Jesus “Lord” is to cast aside these idols, surrendering all to His unrivaled authority.

James 4:7-8

"Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded." James urges us to turn wholeheartedly to God, rejecting sin and duplicity. Double-mindedness—a state of divided allegiance—hinders our relationship with God. Submitting fully to His lordship allows us to draw near to Him, experiencing His presence and power. This submission requires repentance, humility, and a resolute commitment to make Christ central in every area of life, leaving no room for spiritual compromise.

The Blessings of Christ’s Lordship

Matthew 11:28-30

"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light." Jesus offers rest and peace to those who surrender to His lordship. His way is gentle, humble, and freeing, contrasting the heavy burdens of self-reliance and worldly priorities. Living under His rule doesn’t enslave us; it liberates us, providing a life aligned with God’s purpose. True rest comes only when we relinquish control and trust in Him fully.

Psalm 37:4-5

"Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him and he will do this." This verse highlights the joy and fulfillment that flow from complete trust in God. Delighting in the Lord transforms our desires to align with His will. By committing every plan, hope, and decision to Him, we open ourselves to His blessings. This is not about God granting selfish wishes, but about Him molding our hearts to reflect His purpose. Full submission leads to abundant life, guided and enriched by His hand.

 Conclusion

To call Jesus “Lord” is a declaration of His authority, but it must also be a commitment to live under that authority. The Bible teaches us that partial surrender is no surrender at all. Christ’s lordship requires our all—every decision, priority, and area of life. Divided loyalty undermines our faith and weakens our testimony. Yet, when we fully surrender, we find rest, peace, and fulfillment. As Proverbs 3:5-6 reminds us: "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight." Let us choose today to make Him Lord of all, for only then can we truly call Him Lord at all.