The words of Jesus in Matthew 7:21-23 strike at the heart of the American church today, where obedience to God’s will is often sidelined for emotional experiences or cultural relevance. Jesus delivers a sobering warning: mere profession of faith—calling Jesus “Lord” or performing religious acts—does not guarantee salvation. True discipleship hinges on doing the Father’s will, a call to active obedience that many churches have neglected. The result is a faith that prioritizes feelings over faithfulness, leaving congregations vulnerable to the devastating judgment Jesus describes.

The Problem Today

In too many American churches, obedience is downplayed. Sermons focus on grace without emphasizing the response it demands—living out God’s commands. Jesus ties salvation to obedience, stating, “If you love me, you will keep my commandments” (John 14:15, ESV). Yet, pews are filled with professing Christians whose lives reflect little change—unrepentant sin, worldly priorities, and a lack of holiness. This disconnect mirrors the “workers of lawlessness” in Matthew 7, who boasted of deeds but ignored God’s will.

The church’s reluctance to preach obedience stems from a fear of legalism or a desire to attract crowds. But Scripture rejects this compromise. James writes, “But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves” (James 1:22, ESV). Obedience is not optional; it is the fruit of genuine faith. The American church must reclaim this truth, teaching believers to align their lives with God’s Word—loving neighbors (Mark 12:31, ESV), pursuing purity (1 Thessalonians 4:7, ESV), and rejecting worldly values (Romans 12:2, ESV).This neglect has weakened the church’s witness. A world watching for authenticity sees hypocrisy instead. The solution lies in bold preaching that calls for obedience, coupled with discipleship that equips saints to live it out. Jesus’ warning is a wake-up call: only those who do the Father’s will will enter His kingdom. Let’s heed it before it’s too late.

Reflect on your life. Are you a hearer or a doer of God’s Word? Repent where obedience is lacking, and commit to following Christ fully, trusting His grace to empower you. Pray for your church to prioritize obedience as the mark of true faith.