Real Christians obey Jesus’ teachings

And why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say? Luke 6:46

Just because a man says he’s a pilot doesn’t make him one. He might wear the uniform, speak the lingo, and have stories to tell—but if he’s never studied the science of flight and spent time in a cockpit logging real flying hours, he’s not a pilot. The same goes for a doctor. You can’t simply say you’re a physician and expect people to believe it without the proper training, experience, and certification. These examples point out a sobering truth: it’s not a person’s words that prove who they are—it’s their life!

So, what about Christianity?

Saying, “I’m a Christian” doesn’t make someone a Christian any more than saying “I’m a pilot” equips someone to fly an airplane. Real Christians obey Jesus’ teachings. Jesus Himself made this plain.

“But why do you call Me ‘Lord, Lord,’ and do not do the things which I say?” (Luke 6:46).

A true Christian is someone who knows God, has come to Him through Jesus Christ, and walks in obedience to His Word. Let’s take a closer look at what that means.

Knowing God begins with knowing Jesus.

God is holy and perfect, and we are not. We’ve all broken His laws. We’ve lied, we’ve lusted, we’ve been proud or greedy or hateful. The Bible says: “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23).

But God, in His mercy, made a way for us. That way is Jesus. God became flesh in the person of Jesus Christ. Born of a virgin, He lived a sinless life and then offered Himself as the spotless Lamb of God. He was crucified, buried, and rose again, defeating sin and death for all who believe.

“God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself” (2 Corinthians 5:19). “Jesus said, ‘I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me’” (John 14:6).

Knowing God starts with knowing Jesus. That means not just knowing facts about Him, but coming to Him, repenting of our sin, and placing our faith in His finished work on the cross.

Not just a decision, but a transformation

There is a dangerous idea today that says if you’ve prayed a quick “sinner’s prayer,” then everything is settled. But friend, if there’s been no change in your life—no turning from sin, no hunger for God, no desire to follow Jesus—then you should be greatly concerned.

The Bible teaches that faith brings change. The Holy Spirit comes into the life of the believer, cleansing us and giving us power to live in obedience.

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new” (2 Corinthians 5:17).

Jesus didn’t die just to forgive your sins—He died to make you holy. He didn’t come just to get you into heaven—He came to get heaven into you. That’s what sanctification means.

“For by one offering He has perfected forever those who are being sanctified” (Hebrews 10:14).

Obedience: The mark of the true Christian

So how do we know if someone is truly a Christian? Look at their fruit. Jesus said: “You will know them by their fruits” (Matthew 7:16). “If you love me, keep my commandments” (John 14:15).

This doesn’t mean we earn salvation by our works. Salvation is a free gift, received by faith (Ephesians 2:8-9). But the evidence of that salvation is a life of obedience. A changed heart produces changed behavior.

Let’s be plain: real Christians don’t continue living in known sin. Real Christians don’t excuse disobedience. Real Christians don’t pick which teachings of Jesus they will follow. They surrender. They obey. They follow their Shepherd wherever He leads.

“He who says, I know Him, and does not keep His commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him” (1 John 2:4).

Walking with God means staying in step with Him.

The Christian life isn’t a onetime event; it’s a daily walk. We are called to take up our cross, deny ourselves, and follow Jesus.

“Then He said to them all, ‘If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me’” (Luke 9:23).

Obedience is not burdensome when we are in love with Jesus. The Holy Spirit helps us walk in step with Him, convicting us, teaching us, and strengthening us to do what’s right.

“For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God” (Romans 8:14).

It’s not perfection, but direction

None of us walks perfectly. We struggle and sometimes we stumble. But real Christians don’t stay down. They confess their sins, get back up, and keep walking with God.

“If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9). “The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord, and He delights in his way. Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down; for the Lord upholds him with His hand” (Psalm 37:23-24).

Being a Christian means you’re headed in the right direction. The Holy Spirit within you keeps pulling you toward Jesus, shaping you to look more and more like Him.

Concluding thoughts

Don’t be deceived. The world is full of people who claim the name “Christian” but deny Christ by their lifestyle. The true believer doesn’t just say “Lord, Lord,” but he also does the will of the Father in his everyday life.  “Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven” (Matthew 7:21).

Real Christians obey Jesus’ teachings. They know Him. They follow Him. They love Him. They have a heart to truly obey Him in their daily lives.

So, ask yourself: Am I just saying I’m a Christian or am I living a life that clearly demonstrates that I am following Jesus Christ?

– Harold R. Troyer