Many a Sunday morning we stand up and sing the song - "All to Jesus I surrender". But do we truly mean that? Do we truly surrender all?
In the quoted passage we have a near perfect young man, who did everything God expected but could not surrender.
Today let us think, have we truly surrendered? - what does surrender look like?
First and foremost, surrender needs us to let go of the control we want over our lives. Realize that that fantastic job, that promotion or a great business are not because of our abilities but because of Gods blessings. Therefore, they are not our priority even though they may give us economic power. It involves recognizing that one is not self-sufficient, and that divine grace is essential. And divine grace comes from divine wisdom.
It means letting go of the desire to dictate the course of one's life and trusting that God's plan is superior. It involves a profound act of yielding one's will and control to divine authority.
In practice this means that we become executors of Gods will in our lives rather than decision makers. It means we put every situation, every day, every problem, every solution, every honor at Gods feet first.
This is not to be confused with revering God or respecting God. There is a difference between respecting God and making Him first in our lives.
When we make God first, we may start our day by asking God - what would you have me do today? Or how do you want me to act in "x" situation? Essentially start the day by passing control of everything for the day to God.
Surrender therefore requires humility, acknowledging one's own limitations and dependence on God.
This may involve making changes in one's behavior, attitudes, and priorities to align with divine principles and a willingness to accept His authority.
In theory we all do that: in practice maybe we don't.
King David consulted God before taking any action. Do we consult God say, before a meeting? If the meeting is critical we may pray and ask for His guidance and help. But do we ask His will? No. We state our will and may we end it by saying - "but your will be done". That to my mind is not total surrender. It is "grudging acceptance or maybe defeated acceptance".
Therefore, total surrender also includes an "embracement" of Gods decision, His wisdom and His will, with happiness, joy and priority because we place our trust in Him more than in our own abilities.
What is the outcome? Ultimately, surrender will bring inner peace and freedom. By relinquishing the burden of control, one can experience a sense of release and trust. It's like sitting in a chauffeur driven car and driven through chaotic traffic as opposed to driving and navigating that traffic ourselves.
Surrender therefore is good for us. It not only helps us navigate this life peacefully but helps to build our next life as well by building a relationship with God, with Jesus and with the Holy Spirit.
Finally, It is important to understand that surrender is often a process, and not a one time event. It is something that is worked on daily.
In essence, surrendering to Jesus or God is about placing one's life in divine hands, trusting in divine guidance, and seeking to live in accordance with divine will.
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