Total Surrender

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Image source: KnowingHim.com

    When my mom was teaching me to bake, she often taught me bits and pieces of the science behind it as she went.  Understanding that yeast requires a form of sugar to make the perfect bread or that baking soda and baking powder are not exactly the same can be important knowledge in the kitchen.  As I have grown, I have been so thankful for this lessons.  I wish I had paid closer attention to them.  Knowing the science behind many recipes allows me to make substitutions, or even just execute a new recipe with greater confidence. Meshing philosophical information and the practical application is vital as we walk through life. Both are so important.  

    The epistles of the New Testament are so full of practical helps for us. I love practical.  Paul just joins the seemingly less tangible aspects of doctrine and the nitty-gritty everyday application so wonderfully. (Isn't it beautiful how the Holy Spirit spoke through each of the writers of the Bible, yet allowed their unique style to show through?)
    In Philippians chapter 2, Paul calls us to "have this attitude in yourselves, which was also in Christ Jesus." (verse 5) Moving down to verse 7 is one part of a list of attitudes Jesus had that Paul says we should also have, "...but emptied Himself, taking the form of a bond-servant." The picture is of a servant who chooses to continue in the role of a servant, even when he or she is free to go.  In the Old Testament, that type of servant would willingly have an ear pierced (just as Jesus was pierced) with an awl. This is a picture of complete surrender to the Master.  

    We are called to have this same mindset, or attitude.  Do I surrender all of my activities, thoughts, schedules, to the will of God?  If so, upsets in my pre-arranged plans will not be nearly so distressing. Do we view interruptions as divine appointments?  Complete surrender to the will of God brings peace, no matter what circumstances we find our selves in.  

    Remember, this is a life of freedom.  We choose to implement this mindset, just as Jesus chose complete surrender to the will of the Father. Never fall into the "victim mentality" that says we are trapped by a legalistic religion that requires actions for salvation. No! Salvation is free.  Sanctification comes as we willingly surrender to the Father.

    I am convicted to be relinquishing all of my plans and actions to the will of the Father.  Realizing that when God changes the course of my day, He has something to teach me or show me of Himself. Maybe my child needs to hear truth in that moment through a verse from Scripture. Maybe that stranger needs to see Jesus in me as I show kindness or grace. How often have I failed to deal with interruptions in my plans with Christ-like surrender?  Far too often. How often have I suppressed conviction from the Holy Spirit and not acted on directives from Scripture?  I am ashamed to admit.   

    This life of surrender is a daily, moment-by-moment yielding of myself. Being intentional about this is sometimes difficult, but I can testify that it brings beautiful blessing.  Not everyone will understand.  In fact, many will question or even mock.  Remember our example, Jesus.  Look to Him. His strength will carry you. 

Soli Deo Gloria!

💓 Soli Deo Gloria💓

 

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