Jesus: Your Lord...or Just a Hobby?

“If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved.” Romans 10:9-10 ESV

“Jesus is Lord” is the joyful cry of every true believer. Is Jesus the Lord of your life, or is He just another hobby?

We all engage in hobbies: golf, fishing, sports, cycling, art, travel, etc. They’re things we enjoy, but don’t need. We pursue them when we have the time, money, and energy. In the grand scheme of things, they aren’t that important. They are optional and disposable.

Would others describe your relationship with Jesus more like “Lord” or “hobby”? Would those who know you best say that Jesus is optional to you, disposable even?

When Jesus is a hobby, your engagement with Him is:

• Convenient: He’s only a priority when it suits my schedule and preferences or when I want something.

• Superficial: I call Him “Lord”, but my life is really about me. I don’t live for Him.

• Optional: Jesus is a nice add-on to my plans and passions, but I don’t believe I need Him.

• Offensive: Jesus is dishonored by this cavalier treatment of His glory.

On the other hand, when Jesus is your Lord, He isn’t an optional part of your life. He is your life. In fact, Jesus died to be your Lord:

“He died for all, so that those who live might no longer live for themselves but for him who for their sake died and was raised.” 2 Corinthians 5:15 ESV

Being under His Lordship means:

• Trust: He is the Lord who saves you by self-sacrifice and gives you the kingdom.

• Obedience: He commands exclusive loyalty and radical obedience.

• Prioritization: His will is supreme over personal desires, comfort, and even safety.

• Transformation: His Lordship touches every part of our lives – relationships, work, finances, family life, and thought life.

So, this week, I encourage you to examine your heart. Is Jesus the Lord of your life, the one you trust and live for? Or is He a hobby, an optional add-on to the life you’ve planned for yourself?

Take His yoke upon you. It’s easy and light. He’s gentle and lowly. You’ll find the rest you’re looking for.

All for Christ,

Chad Kettler

Lewisville Campus Pastor