THEN, SOMETHING ODD HAPPENED.

I grew up in a Baptist church in Southern California. The place was brimming with black, historical liturgy. In fact, sometimes it would feel like my family would step out of our car and enter into a completely different country. The sanctuary was packed with light, slicing through elaborate window panes. I used to stare at the church trinkets- adorned collection plates and clergy robes. There were women with wide, ornate hats and a tambourine or two. Like I said, “a completely different country.”

Another thing: When the elder people of the church referred to God, they always said, “The Lord”. As a young person (even well into my early twenties)… I thought it sounded… old. I used to think, “Why can’t they just say God?” It didn’t annoy me, really. It was just something that just was. Like when old people say “ma-ture” instead of “mature”. 

Then, something odd happened.

I looked up one day and realized I was saying, “The Lord”. God placed a little light bulb in my brain… the idea of Lordship used to feel like a foreign concept for me. Let me explain: When I realized that Jesus loved me and offered to be my savior, I was thrilled. I had no problem acknowledging that I needed saving. I was privy to my sinful nature- lying, manipulation, lust. Accepting God’s love for me was a gift that made me feel all warm and tingly inside. 

But, the idea of lordship? Now, I hadn’t mulled over that word. When I was a kid, I thought I had to follow a bunch of rules as the price that I payed for my salvation. Like so many misinformed Christians, I believed that I could earn God’s love and acceptance by my righteous behavior. 

As I’ve gotten older, I started to read God’s word for myself. I started to grow in my prayer time with Him. God was kind enough to reveal His nature to me- loving, patient, WISE & HOLY. God revealed time and time again that He knows BETTER than we do. God revealed that He cares for me- so much so, that He wants to lead me. He is my LORD because I want to submit to His ways. I’ve learned His character, therefore I want to trust His leading in all areas of my life. 

The old folks had it figured out. In my youth, I was rebellious and entitled- constantly looking for someone to save me… but thinking I had it all figured out. Thank God for the moments that continue to humble me and give me perspective. I’m grateful now more than ever that I have a savior AND a Lord.