The Most Controversial Four-Letter Word in History
by Danielle Mendoza, Co Founder of Connect Global and Hills Global Church
Of all the four-letter words in the English language, none has stirred more controversy, demanded more surrender, or carried more eternal weight than this one: LORD.
To many, it’s a title of reverence. To others, it’s a challenge to autonomy. But to the follower of Jesus, it must become the central identity of God in their lives—not just a name spoken in worship, but a reality lived in submission. The word Lord isn’t passive or ceremonial. Biblically speaking, it is a declaration of authority, ownership, and dominion.
What Does “Lord” Mean Biblically?
In Scripture, the term “Lord” translates from the Hebrew Adonai and the Greek Kyrios1—both signifying one who possesses supreme authority. To call God “Lord” is not to give Him a simple title of honor, but to recognize His rightful place as Master, Ruler, and King. Jesus Himself said, “Why do you call me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ and do not do what I say?” (Luke 6:46).
In other words, calling God “Lord” without obedience is a contradiction in terms.
Biblical Lordship is total life alignment under God’s rule. It is not compartmentalized religion, it is comprehensive authority. If Jesus is Lord, then His voice determines our steps, His Word shapes our worldview, and His Spirit governs our decisions.
Lordship Starts with Seeking, Not Consulting
Many believers treat God as a divine consultant—someone we ask to review our plans or endorse our choices. But true Lordship doesn’t come as an afterthought. It begins with seeking God first2, before anything is built, committed, or deployed. Proverbs 3:5–6 says, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.”
Submission to God’s Lordship means we ask Him first how to structure:
• Our lives – Where we go, what we pursue, how we spend our days.
• Our families – How we raise children, treat spouses, and build homes that reflect His Kingdom.
• Our talents – Not just asking how we can succeed, but how we can serve.
• Our resources – Giving and spending as stewards, not owners, because it all belongs to Him.
This means our plans, preferences, and even our passions bow to His will.
Lordship Is the Heart of Discipleship
Jesus didn’t call people to believe in Him only. He called them to follow Him. That’s the essence of discipleship—and discipleship is impossible without Lordship.
Submitting is not free. It costs comfort, ego, and control. That’s why the word Lord remains so controversial. It cuts through cultural individualism and self-determination. It declares that you are not your own (1 Corinthians 6:19–20)3
Lordship offends pride.
It confronts rebellion. It demands humility. Yet it is also the door to freedom. When God is Lord, we are no longer slaves to sin, self, or fear—we are citizens of His Kingdom, children in His care, and servants in His purpose.
Lord—The Word That Changes Everything
Throughout history, the idea of a “lord” has been used to dominate and control. But when God is Lord, He does not crush us—He redeems us. His authority is not oppressive, it’s restorative. He is the only Lord who lays down His life for His servants.
To proclaim “Jesus is Lord” is to declare war on every lesser master—on self-will, cultural conformity, and worldly ambition. It is to say: “Not my will, but Yours be done.”
So yes—Lord is the most controversial four-letter word in history. But it is also the most powerful. It reorders our lives, redefines our purpose, and restores our identity.
The question is not whether God is Lord—the question is, is He Lord of you?
“The word kyrios originally meant “power” or “might,” but over time it came to mean “lord” or “master.” When the Old Testament was translated from Hebrew to Greek, it used kyrios for “Lord” wherever the words YHWH or Adonai occurred in the Hebrew text.”
—Kurt Selles, Kyrios: "Lord"
25 “Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing? 26 Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? 27 And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life?[g] 28 And why are you anxious about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin, 29 yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. 30 But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is alive and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? 31 Therefore do not be anxious, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ 32 For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. 33 But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.
—Matthew 6:25-33 ESV
19 Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, 20 for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body.
—1 Corinthians 6:19-20 ESV