The term Lord should not be used casually.

When that word appears in relation to Jesus Christ-
– it refers to the God who is sovereign over life and all creation.

In the Greek, this title for Jesus is kurios—one who rules the lives of others for their good.

I remember lying in a hospital bed years ago and coming to the realization that I was there because Jesus wasn’t the Lord of my life.

If anyone happened to be observing my life back then-
– it probably appeared that I was serving Him with every ounce of my being.

I was overloaded with projects and plans for good kingdom work.
But that was actually the problem.

When God told me to stop, slow down, or do something different than I had planned-
I kept right on going. Flat on my back in the hospital,

I finally remained still long enough for the Lord to remind me that only He could direct my path. Jer. 10:23.

We use the term Lord in conversation and in our prayers-
– but then contradict its meaning by defying His will and His work in our lives.

Our resistance is oftentimes subtle.

For example, a believer might qualify his obedience by saying-
“I’ll follow the Lord if…” or
“I want to do what is right, but…”

Jesus’ question to His followers in Luke 6:46 must have stung their spirits:
“Why do you call Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ and do not do what I say?” Luke 6:46-49.

When we entreat the Lord, we must be prepared to obey Him without resistance or pretense.
He is the One who rules over us for our good.