Lip Service vs Lordship - The Cost of Following Jesus

“To say that Jesus is Lord of your life is actually to give up your right to individual autonomy… He’s Lord over all of my life.” — Pastor Anthony

In this episode of The Branch Podcast, Pastors Anthony, Chris, and Stacy sit down to talk about genuine faith and what it really means to follow Jesus. The conversation begins with laughter as they share everyday struggles like doing dishes, folding laundry, cleaning bathrooms, and limiting ice cream runs. These small examples of things we say we’ll do but often fail to follow through on serve as a lighthearted bridge to a weightier truth: many of us can fall into the same pattern with our faith.

The question they raise is simple but direct: are we only giving lip service to Jesus, or are we submitting to Him as Lord?

The pastors take time to define both terms. Lip service, they explain, is when words about Jesus and faith don’t match thoughts, actions, or attitudes. It can be saying all the right things without real transformation behind it. Even good deeds can become hollow when they’re not done out of love for God.

On the other side, the lordship of Jesus means full surrender. It’s aligning every part of life, words, behavior, desires, and decisions, under His authority. This surrender isn’t partial. As Anthony points out, if Jesus is Lord, He is Lord over all of life, not just the parts that are convenient or comfortable.

The pastors admit this disconnect is common, even among committed believers. They explore reasons why Christians often know the right answers but struggle to live them out. Comfort and complacency can create barriers, leading people to settle for surface-level routines instead of deeper engagement with God.

Chris adds that discerning the next steps in faith isn’t always easy. Sometimes believers don’t recognize the Spirit’s leading, and sometimes we simply resist what we know God is asking. Stacy points out that conviction from a sermon, scripture, or conversation is often a sign of the Spirit pressing in. Ignoring those nudges distances us from God.

Throughout the discussion, the pastors emphasize that discipleship is an ongoing process. Growth doesn’t stop after years of following Jesus. Each season of life brings new challenges and new areas to surrender.

Anthony notes that American Christianity often settles for surface faith, going to church, attending groups, or reading the Bible without allowing those practices to shape daily obedience. True discipleship, he says, requires earnest engagement, simple obedience, and a willingness to press deeper even when it feels uncomfortable.

Each pastor shares personal experiences of wrestling with God.

• Stacy recalls the season when she knew God was calling her to be a pastor. At first, she resisted, insisting she didn’t want the difficulty that came with ministry. Over time, God confirmed the calling and gave her the courage to obey. She also admits she daily struggles with surrendering her plans and desire for control.
• Chris shares about a relationship during college when he knew God was calling him to walk away from sin. At the time, he told God no. Looking back, he now sees that God’s persistence and grace kept pursuing him, shaping how he responds to obedience today.
• Anthony speaks about his early years in ministry, struggling with identity and control. God used those seasons to remind him that leadership isn’t about personal adequacy but about God’s strength and sufficiency.
  
  

These stories highlight how surrender is rarely easy, but it always leads to life and transformation.

The pastors also wrestle with why it feels so difficult to surrender to a God we believe is good. Fear, pride, and self-reliance often get in the way. We fear being alone, fear failure, or believe we can secure our own happiness better than God can. Yet, as Anthony points out, pursuing our own way never truly satisfies.

The conversation turns to how churches can help Christians move beyond lip service. They agree that vulnerability, modeling authenticity, and sharing testimonies create space for growth. Community is vital, connect groups, corporate worship, and honest friendships help believers walk through struggles together.

They also stress teaching the full message of scripture. Discipleship isn’t just about isolated topics but about the whole of Jesus’ teaching. Responding to the gospel isn’t only about receiving forgiveness but also about surrendering to Jesus’ leadership in every area of life.

As the episode closes, the pastors encourage listeners who feel convicted to respond with honesty and humility. Start by confessing to God: “You’re right.” Invite a trusted friend into the process for accountability and support. Then take the next step of obedience, however small it may seem.

Chris reminds listeners that delayed obedience is disobedience, but even if you feel unable, begin by asking God for help. Anthony and Stacy echo the same truth: God meets us in love where we are, but He loves us too much to leave us there.