Surrender

“Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and that you are not your own? For you have been bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body.” 1 Corinthians 6:19-20

“Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus, who, although He existed in the form of God, did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied Himself, taking the form of a bond-servant, and being made in the likeness of men. Being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.” Philippians 2:5-8

One of the weaknesses of language is that words can often be misunderstood or the real meaning can sometimes be hidden or misrepresented. Have you ever wondered why so many lawyers are involved in important business negotiations where huge fortunes are at stake? Each one is concerned with the exact meaning of key words and phrases. We know we must be alert to the use and meaning of words.

When, in Christian circles, we speak of being “surrendered” to Christ, what do we really mean? First, it seems like a rather archaic expression. It brings up thoughts of past slavery and the indenture of servants. But what does it mean to be surrendered to Christ? Here is a spiritual definition which may put to rest many of your questions:

Surrender: The definite, deliberate, voluntary transfer of the undivided possession, control, and use of my total being - spirit, soul, and body - to Jesus Christ to Whom I rightfully belong by creation and by redemption.

Our first objection? “What about my rights? I can’t surrender to my God until I’m assured that my rights will not be trampled into the dirt.” It is amazing that when we give up our rights, we are no longer concerned with them - only with doing the will of the Father.

Thought for the Day:
Plunge into the love of God. You’ll be amazed at your foolishness for not getting there before.