“Why do you call me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ and do not do what I say?” – Luke 6:46 (NASB)
Jesus was a master of the Q&A session. When He was questioned by His audience, the answers He gave were like the questions He asked. They were meant to point something out that needed to be dealt with.
Today’s passage from Luke is a very direct question, “Why do you call Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ and do not do what I say?” It can leave you to scratch your head and wonder what you aren’t doing. Now to be clear this question isn’t meant to those who are out-n-out enemies of the Cross of Christ. It isn’t meant for those who are attempting to be neutral but fit into this verse, “He who is not with Me is against Me; and he who does not gather with Me scatters” (Matt 12:30). This is a question for those who are for Jesus but against Jesus at the same time. Go ahead…keep scratching.
I recently came across a phrase on the inter-webs that pretty much sums up what this question is meant to convey. “The question condemns religion without the Lord and lip-service without the heart.” Now the prime example of this will always be the scribes and those wacky Pharisees. In Matthew’s Gospel, chapter 23 to be exact, Jesus just tears into them but wants the audience to understand one main point, “The scribes and the Pharisees have seated themselves in the chair of Moses; therefore all that they tell you, do and observe, but do not do according to their deeds; for they say things, and do not do them.” (Matt 23:2-3) I take this as Jesus saying to us, tend to your own vertical connection and be observant in the horizontal.
The question also rebukes lukewarmness. In his book “Crazy Love,” Francis Chan has a whole chapter dedicated to this spiritual condition and if you chose to run yourself through the list ya might get depressed. My own stumbling block in this found on page 73 of the paperback version and it has to do with loving others and is rooted in the following passage of Scripture…
“You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’But I say to you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you,so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven; for He causes His sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? If you greet only your brothers, what more are you doing than others? Do not even the Gentiles do the same?” (Matt 5:43-47)
When I am receiving love from those people who I know and connect with, I am in a good spot. But those folks who can’t or won’t love me back and those folks who intentionally slight me, either publicly or privately, I got issues with. That would mean my love for others is selective, conditional and comes with strings attached. Ce n’est pas bon (that’s not good.)
You can come across as pretty pompous when it’s all lip service and no-heart relation (and yes, I’ve had the pleasure of being called pompous from time to time). We are given a plain warning to such a position, “Beware of practicing your righteousness before men to be noticed by them; otherwise you have no reward with your Father who is in heaven” (Matt 6:1). This is why we shouldn’t be raising our holy hands and shouting out, “Thank God I’m not like those filthy sinners.” This is clear violation of what we find the Beloved Disciple write in 1 John 4, “If someone says, “I love God,” and hates his brother, he is a liar; for the one who does not love his brother whom he has seen, cannot love God whom he has not seen.”
A few weeks back, a very well-respected brother-in-Christ of mine gave me a gentle nudge and let me know that it came from a “relationship and building bridges” position. Since then I’ve taken a longer view of the question, “Why do you call Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ and do not do what I say?” It can be really hard to do things from a “no strings attached” point of view but then on the other hand, if you’re really “in Christ” it should be reflex. When we look at this through these kinda lenses we can truly understand what the Apostle Paul wrote in Romans 12:18, “If possible, so far as it depends on you, be at peace with all men.” Amen?
Written by Chris Hughes: Chris, a graduate of The Colony of Mercy (11-2003) is married (Kathy) with two grown children (Kevin and Karen) and has been a Freedom Fighter contributor since 2008.
The Daily Bible Reading: Psalm 25, 29, 33, 36, 39 | You can download our 2017 Daily Bible Reading Plan by clicking here
Daily Quote: “The goals of American Christianity are often a nice marriage, children who don’t swear, and good church attendance. Taking the words of Christ literally and seriously is rarely considered. That’s for the radicals who are unbalanced and who go overboard. Most of us want a balanced life that we can control, that is safe, and that does not involve suffering.” — Francis Chan
This Week’s Verse to Memorize:
“Oh, satisfy early with Your mercy, that we may rejoice and be glad all our days!” Psalm 90:14
I haven't been on a retreat in awhile but it's time I'm looking I want to attend with my daughter & granddaughter. I've been in Keswick a few times I'm looking to do a retreat this year. America's Kesw8ck is absolutely the best retreat to renew... your spirit worship our Lord learn and grow in Him.read more
Cindy Burns
1728694721
Very well kept and pleasant staff
jeffrey chambers
1726370380
Wonderful place to go meeting Christians and fellowshipping very clean place highly recommended
Roxana Reilly
1725202550
Great place for family gatherings and for me, My own spiritual retreat to renew my faith on the Lord.
Paul Vanderstar
1724964916
this is where you go to refresh yourself and fellowship with brothers and sisters in Christ Jesus. Their addiction programs are available to those ready to change their lives
Lori Gaeta
1724259466
I recently went on a christian retreat at Americas Keswick. The speakers were amazing especially Pastor Lloyd Pulley and his lovely and wise wife Karen. The food was delicious 😋. The accommodations were OK very simple I was in Victory... hall.I met some of the men from the colony they all speak of having a wonderful recovery. Praise God!. The grounds are spectacular!!!I only had 1 negative experience. There is a lifeguard there by the name of Jason who was extremely rude and disrespectful not only to me but to a sweet elderly man. I spoke to that man who has been going there for years and said Jason is that way to a alot of the people. I was surprised to find out Keswick would hire such a person. When I went to go into the main building , I was confronted by Ruth, who works there, before she heard my side of the story she had a bad and condemning attitude and spoke down to me. After I explained what happened, she apologized. You would think the staff would be vetted well before being hired, especially at a Christian facility that has been around for close to 130 years.I have forgiven both individuals in my prayers, but I have to say it was very hurtful and made me cry. That said. I would still recommend Keswick as you will be blessed by the speakers and the many beautiful Christians that attend the meeting. I especially was moved by the testimonies of the men from the colony. Don't miss those devotionals at 7 am.read more
Katherine Abreu
1722634543
This place has been a blessing to my family and I.
Michelle Thompson
1722547535
I stayed in the older facility so I was not comfortable with my arrangements. However, the service received in effort to make things better and more pleasant was exceptional! My family and I enjoyed the many activities and services available to... us, even though the sessions for toddlers was merely babysitting.This center would be great for a family reunion, Looking forward to coming again.read more
Karen Occhiogrosso
1720052800
I attend the Hymn Sing every month. Today was an inspirational patriotic program. It was amazing to sing songs of our country with 500 other people!! Keswick never disappoints, and many men and women have overcome addictions through the ministries... of the Colony and Barbara's Place.read more
PETER CACCIOPPOLI
1719525196
Gods rest area.
Jessica Olivo
1718500236
Very VERYY lovely experience. I love every piece of land here. I love connecting with nature from time to time. I have being to other retrieve camps but this one is from now in my favorite! Amazing service. The people here are very pleasant. Such an... amazing service to our people. God bless the staff! Very clean! Well organized! We are looking forward to come back! Very peaceful place. ♥️♥️read more
Jeremiah & Julie Diedrich
1717118012
Amazing! Lives are transformed here.
Angel
1716676537
It's a blessing to be here with other Christians Praying together and Praising God 🙌. Took a helicopter ride with Jaars who went far and beyond with God's Grace.
J Staples Mcormick
1716470098
Annual fund raiser at this magnificent establishment to help raise funds for addiction recovery
donna mclaughlin
1716155842
Wonderful place. Staff and the men serving always go above and beyond to be kind and helpful.
Google Rating
4.8
Based on 455 reviews
America's Keswick Christian Retreat and Conference Center
I haven't been on a retreat in awhile but it's time I'm looking I want to attend with my daughter & granddaughter. I've been in Keswick a few times I'm looking to do a retreat this year. America's Kesw8ck is absolutely the best retreat to renew... your spirit worship our Lord learn and grow in Him.read more
Cindy Burns
1728694721
Very well kept and pleasant staff
jeffrey chambers
1726370380
Wonderful place to go meeting Christians and fellowshipping very clean place highly recommended
Roxana Reilly
1725202550
Great place for family gatherings and for me, My own spiritual retreat to renew my faith on the Lord.
Paul Vanderstar
1724964916
this is where you go to refresh yourself and fellowship with brothers and sisters in Christ Jesus. Their addiction programs are available to those ready to change their lives
Lori Gaeta
1724259466
I recently went on a christian retreat at Americas Keswick. The speakers were amazing especially Pastor Lloyd Pulley and his lovely and wise wife Karen. The food was delicious 😋. The accommodations were OK very simple I was in Victory... hall.I met some of the men from the colony they all speak of having a wonderful recovery. Praise God!. The grounds are spectacular!!!I only had 1 negative experience. There is a lifeguard there by the name of Jason who was extremely rude and disrespectful not only to me but to a sweet elderly man. I spoke to that man who has been going there for years and said Jason is that way to a alot of the people. I was surprised to find out Keswick would hire such a person. When I went to go into the main building , I was confronted by Ruth, who works there, before she heard my side of the story she had a bad and condemning attitude and spoke down to me. After I explained what happened, she apologized. You would think the staff would be vetted well before being hired, especially at a Christian facility that has been around for close to 130 years.I have forgiven both individuals in my prayers, but I have to say it was very hurtful and made me cry. That said. I would still recommend Keswick as you will be blessed by the speakers and the many beautiful Christians that attend the meeting. I especially was moved by the testimonies of the men from the colony. Don't miss those devotionals at 7 am.read more
Katherine Abreu
1722634543
This place has been a blessing to my family and I.
Michelle Thompson
1722547535
I stayed in the older facility so I was not comfortable with my arrangements. However, the service received in effort to make things better and more pleasant was exceptional! My family and I enjoyed the many activities and services available to... us, even though the sessions for toddlers was merely babysitting.This center would be great for a family reunion, Looking forward to coming again.read more
Karen Occhiogrosso
1720052800
I attend the Hymn Sing every month. Today was an inspirational patriotic program. It was amazing to sing songs of our country with 500 other people!! Keswick never disappoints, and many men and women have overcome addictions through the ministries... of the Colony and Barbara's Place.read more
PETER CACCIOPPOLI
1719525196
Gods rest area.
Jessica Olivo
1718500236
Very VERYY lovely experience. I love every piece of land here. I love connecting with nature from time to time. I have being to other retrieve camps but this one is from now in my favorite! Amazing service. The people here are very pleasant. Such an... amazing service to our people. God bless the staff! Very clean! Well organized! We are looking forward to come back! Very peaceful place. ♥️♥️read more
Jeremiah & Julie Diedrich
1717118012
Amazing! Lives are transformed here.
Angel
1716676537
It's a blessing to be here with other Christians Praying together and Praising God 🙌. Took a helicopter ride with Jaars who went far and beyond with God's Grace.
J Staples Mcormick
1716470098
Annual fund raiser at this magnificent establishment to help raise funds for addiction recovery
donna mclaughlin
1716155842
Wonderful place. Staff and the men serving always go above and beyond to be kind and helpful.