The term 'lord' has been around for centuries. Traditionally it refers to a person who has authority over others, such as a land owner to those working on his estate, a person of nobility or non-military rank over others. Often the title of 'lord' was inherited from family position and it involved some political responsibilities (House of Lords).

More recently the term 'lord' has become an honorary title signifying some privilege or recognition of societal achievement much like the title 'Sir' which accompanies being knighted by royalty. Unfortunately such titles do not bestow good character, integrity, or responsibility as they once may have. In any case, 'lord' was a term of respect and acknowledgement of elevated position in society. This was true also in Biblical times where the title of lord showed respect and honor and also determined how one was to behave toward the one in authority.

For example, lords, rulers, and wealthy businessmen often had servants who did their bidding. The servant went to their master for daily instructions, or for advice in matters pertaining to their duties. The servants did not bring instructions to their masters, nor did they refuse their master's requests unless they enjoyed a good beating once in a while! This was simply how things worked in society.

In the western world we no longer have these types of relationships, no matter how many employees see their bosses as 'lords' over them. Our relationships in society are voluntary, not forced or obligatory. Unless there is some sort of contractual agreement, such as in the military, we can always walk away without fear of beatings or imprisonment. We may loose our jobs, but our life is not in jeopardy.

Our vast array of personal freedoms and individual rights provided by society may be the reason that we have lost much of the meaning of the word 'lord' today. We are happy to call Jesus 'Lord' but do not want any of the obligations or responsibilities that come with such a title. We have turned a title of authority and position into one that is honorary and empty. In fact, it is actually worse than that. We have turned things around so that the lord has become our servant, and the servant has become the master! How, you ask? Look at our prayers.

We bring our shopping list to Jesus to keep Him busy during the week. When He has completed all those tasks, He can come back for more things to do! We pray, "Not my will, but Thy will be done", then tell him all the things we want done in our life rather than asking Him what He wants for our life.

I dare say that Lordship now only rarely describes the relationship we have with Christ. We are content to live our lives with little consideration of His will for us. We outright refuse to obey His commands without any fear of punishment or retribution. Then, when consequences come from our disobedience, we blame Him and accuse Him of not loving us. I came to the conclusion a long time ago that Christ always knows what is best for me because, one, He is the only one who can see my future, and two, He gave up His own life on the cross demonstrating amazing love for me.

He legitimately asks us, "And why do you call Me Lord, Lord, and do not do what I say?" Luke 6:46. It is in the doing that we demonstrate who is Lord in our life. The person who truly has the right to call Jesus Lord is the one who daily comes humbly before Him seeking His will and His ways, and obediently follows to the letter, everything Christ commands of him or her. Many people have no problem with Christ being their Saviour, but they struggle with Him being their Lord. I have come to understand that Christ is either both Lord and Saviour in a person's life, or He is neither. His intention was for us to live in His Kingdom, not for Him to live in ours. "Blessed are those servants whom the lord will find watching when he comes" Luke 12:37.