Modern Spirituality

In Luke 6:46, Jesus asks, “Why do you call me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ and do not do what I say?” His words cut straight to the heart of what it means to follow Him. It’s not enough to profess faith in Jesus; your life must reflect the obedience that comes from genuine trust in Him. This is not about striving for perfection, but about committing to a life of continual growth and alignment with God’s will.

Faith is more than a declaration; it’s a transformation that reveals itself through your actions. James 2:17 says, “Faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.” Your works, the way you live, don’t earn salvation but serve as evidence of the faith you claim to possess. When you obey Christ, even imperfectly, your life becomes a testimony to the power of God working within you.

Here’s the freeing truth: the Christian life isn’t about being perfect. Perfection is an impossible standard for any human to achieve, and thankfully, it’s not what God asks of you. The only perfect person to ever walk this earth was Jesus. Instead, the Christian life is about progression, a steady movement toward Christ through obedience, repentance, and grace. This perspective lifts the heavy burden of perfectionism and replaces it with hope.

You will stumble. You will sin. You will have regrets. These truths don’t disqualify you from walking with Jesus; they remind you of your need for Him. Proverbs 24:16 reminds us, “For though the righteous fall seven times, they rise again.” What matters is not that you fall but that you rise, turn back to God, and continue moving toward Him.

Progression requires humility. You must recognize when you’re off track and be willing to repent and obey. Obedience is not about rigidly following rules; it’s about trusting God enough to align your life with His Word. Through obedience, you grow closer to Him and experience the fullness of His love and purpose.

It’s easy to feel discouraged when you compare yourself to others or to an unrealistic ideal of holiness. But God doesn’t call you to compare; He calls you to commit. The Christian life is a journey, not a sprint. Each step, no matter how small, brings you closer to Jesus. Philippians 3:13-14 says, “Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.” This pressing on is the essence of progression.

Obedience to Jesus isn’t about earning His love; it’s a response to the love He’s already given you. When you obey, you’re not just following commands, you’re aligning your heart with His. This alignment transforms not only your behavior but your perspective, allowing you to see life through the lens of His truth and grace.

God’s grace is the foundation of your progression. Without it, growth would be impossible. Grace doesn’t excuse sin; it empowers you to overcome it. When you fall, grace reminds you that you’re not defined by your failures but by God’s love for you. Grace gives you the courage to get back on track and continue walking toward Christ.

As you reflect on your journey, remember that perfection isn’t the goal, faithfulness is. Faithfulness means showing up every day, trusting God with your struggles, and choosing obedience even when it’s hard. It’s about progress, not a perfect record. With each step of faith, you’re becoming more like Christ, and that is the ultimate goal of the Christian life.

When Jesus asks, “Why do you call me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ and do not do what I say?” He’s inviting you into a deeper relationship with Him. Obedience is not a burden but a pathway to experiencing the abundant life He offers. Through progression, you’ll find that your faith becomes more vibrant, your joy more enduring, and your love for God and others more genuine.

Your journey won’t be flawless, but it will be beautiful in its steady pursuit of Christ. Keep walking, keep growing, and trust that God is guiding you every step of the way.

LaQuan Henley

LaQuan Henley is a seasoned real estate broker and investor dedicated to helping clients navigate the complexities of homeownership, foreclosures, and wealth-building. With nearly a decade in the industry, his expertise is rooted in resilience, relationship-building, and a commitment to personal growth. Born and raised in Chicago, LaQuan’s journey from cold-calling sales to real estate mogul showcases his relentless drive and passion for empowering others.