Let Go

“But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” Matthew 6:33

In several African nations monkeys are caught in an ingenious way. A hole - the exact size of the monkey’s hand - is drilled into a hillside into which enticing bait is placed. When the monkey reaches into the hole to seize the lure, he faces an immediate dilemma. He can take his hand out but not the bait in his grip. In almost every instance the animal will not let go of the prize, sitting often for hours until he is easily captured.

The Christian who refuses to surrender areas of his life - finances, habits, thoughts - to Christ is in much the same predicament. By refusing to loosen our stubborn, prideful grip, we become captives of our sin - unable to grow spiritually.

Releasing our hold on such hindrances, however, allows us to experience the matchless joy of living, thinking, and walking in the perfect will of God. Surrender to Christ is just that: letting go of our pride and self-sufficiency so that we may grab hold of that which is life indeed - the saving and sanctifying grace and love of God.

Whatever you are holding tightly is a snare to abundant living. Relax your grip by surrendering it to Christ, and let Him fill you with all good things (Psalms 84:11).

“...present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice...” Romans 12:1