Submit Without Fear

“Now in a large house there are not only gold and silver vessels, but also vessels of wood and of earthenware, and some to honor and some to dishonor. Therefore, if anyone cleanses himself from these things, he will be a vessel for honor, sanctified, useful to the Master, prepared for every good work.” 2 Timothy 2:20-21

Why does the notion of surrender to Christ frighten us? While we had little difficulty understanding our desperate strait regarding salvation, we are often reluctant to accept Christ’s complete control of our lives. Our hesitance is frequently due to a misunderstanding of His character.

God does not deal with us as our sins deserve. His forgiveness and salvation bring us into an eternal, inseparable relationship with Him. He is our gracious, kind, compassionate, gentle, loving Father. We are His beloved children who He purchased through the ultimate sacrifice - Jesus’ death at Golgotha.

Why shouldn’t we give ourselves completely to such a Person? Why shouldn’t we cheerfully comply with His every wish, gleeful that we belong to the benevolent Master? We also withhold certain areas of our lives - finances, relationships, habits - because we misunderstand His plan for us. What He requires should not alarm us but thrill us.

He seeks to conform us to Christ’s image, to make us more Christlike in every way. You can joyfully surrender to Christ for He is good and great, and His plan for you is beyond your wildest dreams. Yield to Him now and continue with a submissive spirit each day. A surrendered life is a victorious one.

“The best measure of spiritual life is not ecstasies but obedience.” -Oswald Chambers