The year was 1984. I just graduated from high school. I had only been a Christian for a year and a half. I was in the back of a blue Chevelle, seated between two Filipino guys who were about my age. I felt like I was in a Filipino sandwich and I was the Chinese meat in-between. Along the way both guys fell asleep on me. We were heading to a three-day event called Discipleship Camp being held by Youth for Christ at Camp Homelani in Waialua.
Most of the students knew each other since their classmates were there as well. But I was the only student who came from Kalani High School. I felt very alone during this camp. I kept to myself and listened to my walkman. Little did I know how God would meet me in a powerful way.
The general sessions began with upbeat worship songs followed by a biblical message. This was all new to me. The students knew the songs, I didn’t. But what gripped my heart were the messages. They challenged my mind, heart, and actions.
I remember one night after a general session, Mike Palompo, sat down with me in the field and asked me the same question that was asked during the general sessions: are you willing to give up everything for Jesus? At that time I had a Christian girlfriend. I thought it was ideal – a girlfriend who was a believer. But Mike knew something I didn’t – I was making my girlfriend more important that Jesus. He asked the question again. I told him I needed time to think about it.
As I looked up at the stars that night I told God I was willing to do anything He asked. I knew in my heart I not only had to give up my girlfriend, but I needed to totally dedicate the rest of my life to Him. As I silently prayed, I felt a new resolve in my heart to make Him Lord of my life. Everything I had was His: my past, my present, and my future. All monies and material things. All relationships. Anything that had the potential to take the place of God. That night changed me forever.
As I look back at that event almost 30 years ago, I can see the profound implications of that night. Making God Lord of my life was the second best decision I ever made. It made me hold everything I had with an open hand, allowing the Lord to give and take as He pleased. Corrie ten Boom once said, “Hold everything in your hands lightly, otherwise it hurts when God pries your fingers open.”
As I observe leaders today, I believe one of the key lessons not being embraced is the issue of Lordship. In a culture where it is believed God wants to give a Christian everything he/she wants, the understanding of God’s ownership is not addressed. Thus when someone loses a job, or a car is totaled in a wreck, or something is lost, a Christian who has not addressed the issue of Lordship will demand God restore everything.
When one embraces the Lordship of God, you begin to see things from God’s point of view. When a difficult time happens, one will see what God is trying to do – build character, teach patience, slow one down.
But if someone doesn’t understand the concept of Lordship, they will consistently see things from their own point of view and begin to question and even demand of God: “Why aren’t You answering my prayers?” “Why do I have to be here?” “God, please take this person out of my life!” When this happens, we are no longer serving God. We make God serve us.
Making God Lord of your life means He is has ownership over everything and our responsibility is stewardship. Whatever we are blessed with, we steward. But God is still the owner. It is up to Him to give and take away. If the issue of Lordship is not addressed, you begin to think that everything God blesses you with is yours. God is no longer the owner, you are. Thus when God takes it away, complaints and arguments with God will follow.
A leader who does not understand the concept of Lordship will lean towards “health & wealth theology,” “word of faith,” and “name it and claim it” teachings. This is the opposite of the lifestyle of Jesus who lived a humble life, knowing all things belonged to the Father.
Questions to Think About:
Most Christians say Jesus is Lord and Savior of their lives. But is He really?
If God were to take away the most precious thing you have, would you be okay with that?
© Gary Lau 2013
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