Total Surrender

Oswald Chambers asked this rhetorical question, “Am I building up the body of Christ, or am I only concerned about my own personal development? The essential thing is my personal relationship with Jesus Christ— “. . . that I may know Him. . .”  To fulfill God’s perfect design for me requires my total surrender— complete abandonment of myself to Him. Whenever I only want things for myself, the relationship is distorted. My goal is God Himself, not joy nor peace, Nor even blessing, but Himself, my God.”

Total surrender to God is a recurring theme in the Bible ... The fact that it is presented to us so many times might lead you to believe that there is a reason for the emphasis.  The fact is, the entire Bible was written for us ... it is God ‘breathed’ and has at least three purposes … for the Father’s glory .. the revelation of His Son … and for our good. As Jesus demonstrated His submission to the Father in the garden before His crucifixion - "let your will not my will be done"- so must we be submitted as well.

“All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.” - 2 Timothy 3:16  

We know that the Bible can be read by people who are not Christians. Although they can understand the words, they cannot understand the spiritual truth behind those words. We also know that the Bible can be read by Christians who do understand the spiritual truth behind the words but choose not to obey what they know to be true and right.  

All Christians must be reminded that we need to … we must …. be surrendered to God's will. 

“I [Paul] appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.” – Romans 12:1-2

That means each of us picking up our cross .. committed to the idea that it is .. not my will but His will … and following in Jesus steps. Jesus said “if you have seen Me you have seen the Father” (John 14:9) Can people say that about you? If they have seen you they have seen Jesus, who, in turn, is a reflection of the Father?  (John 17:20-23)

Total surrender is not just so we can live our lives in an easier way.  It is to show the world Jesus … 

“Now when they [rulers and elders and scribes] saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were uneducated, common men, they were astonished. And they recognized that they had been with Jesus. - Acts 4:13

The first sentence in the book “The Purpose Driven Life” says ‘It’s not about me [or you]’.  You must understand that this life we live is by faith and for a purpose greater than ourselves.  It requires total surrender .. total trust in God … walking by faith and not by sight. Being doers and not hearers only and so deceiving yourself into thinking that reading the Bible and going to church is what our new life in Christ is all about. (James 1:22)

Let Jesus shine through you today … Give it up and bring glory to God.

Think about it – Pray about it – Believe it – Walk in it. Let your light shine and give God the glory.

By Faith Alone By His Grace Alone And For His Glory Alone