Radical Obedience
by: Janie Denney
January 29, 2025
“Why do you call me ‘Lord, Lord’ and not do what I tell you?”
Culture has turned obedience to the Word of God into something “radical.”
I see this all over social media - especially in the comments section of influential Christians I follow. This morning, I was scrolling through Instagram when a video of a person explaining sin popped up on my feed. It was a Biblically sound video and yet there were comments like “this must be exhausting”, “Lord may I never be this type of religious person” and “Brain rot.”
Wow. Our culture is so numb to the weight of sin that even people who identify themselves as Christians look at certain sins to be “religious.”
Since when did obeying the Word of God - the words of Jesus become “radical” or “religious”?
It’s ironic—non-believers assume Christians think they’re “holier than thou,” but the truth is quite the opposite. The closer we get to God and know His Word, the more we recognize our desperate need for a Savior.
I know this to be true in my walk with the Lord. The closer I get to God, the more I see my brokenness and sinfulness. I struggle to obey God. I struggle to deny my flesh. I struggle to listen to Him. As long as we reside on earth, our relationship with Jesus is a continual pursuit of repentance of sin and seeking His precious presence.
I’ve found myself crying out to the Lord, asking Him to use me—no matter the cost, no matter what people think, say, or believe. To be used, I must be obedient to His Word. When I read Luke 6:46 last week, I felt the weight of Jesus’ words: “Why do you call Me ‘Lord, Lord’ and not do what I tell you?” Jesus is blunt with this statement. How can we call Jesus “Lord” if we do not obey His word?
The Word of God is the standard. Jesus is the standard. So, why do we settle for less? Why is it so hard for us to listen to His Word and what He is asking of us? Scripture shows us that this struggle isn’t new and there is a consequence to our actions:
Moses could not enter the Promised Land because he struck the rock twice instead of speaking to it as God commanded. Moses heard God, but he did not listen.
Jonah ran from God’s call, boarding a ship that faced a great storm. The people with him questioned what he had done to anger his God. Jonah heard God, but he did not listen.
Culture, our flesh, and Satan all work to water down the weight of His commands.
Take gossip, for example. Jesus warns us of the power of the tongue and tells us not to gossip. Yet, have you found yourself gossipping recently?
Or consider sexual immorality. Jesus tells us to flee from it, yet so many Christians struggle with this sin. Why?
As Rees Howells said in Rees Howells: Intercessor, “The closer a person is to God, the more terrible is the least sin seen to be.” Today, what the Bible classifies as sin seems radical—even to Christians.
When Jesus rose from the waters of baptism, “a voice came out of the cloud, saying, ‘This is my Son, my Chosen One; listen to Him’” (Luke 9:35). The command to listen isn’t passive; it requires action. It requires us to do something.
Jesus says the first and greatest commandment is to “love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, and mind” (Matthew 22:37). Do you listen? Does your life reflect the greatest commandment?
He says the second greatest commandment is to “love your neighbor as yourself” (Matthew 22:39). Do you listen? Do you love your neighbor despite your differences?
Jesus tells us, “If anyone would come after Me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow Me” (Luke 9:23). These words are a command to:
Deny our flesh,
Take up our cross, and
Follow Him.
To follow Jesus, we must listen. We must deny ourselves and obey His Word—no matter the cost. Are you willing to be “radical” in your obedience?
Worship: Lift Up Holy Hands/He’s Alive
Prayer
Lord Jesus, You are wonderful. You are the King of kings, ruler of the world - creator of Heaven and earth. God, thank You for the power of the cross. Thank You that Your blood shed on the cross atones for my sins so I can approach You with boldness and gladness. Your mercies are new every morning. I give You my life today. I crucify my flesh today. I ask You, Holy Spirit, to empower me and strengthen me. Help me listen to You and obey Your Word. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Further Study
Numbers 20:6-12, Jonah 1, Luke 9
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Since when did obeying the Word of God - the words of Jesus become “radical” or “religious”?