
- Refrain from the hymn I Surrender All written by Charles Wesley, 1740
As a former combat arms military officer, the word surrender is one I just don't like to use. It means failure and defeat if applied to the art of warfare and I was taught that it is just not acceptable. But when we apply the word to our relationship with our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, it takes on an entirely different meaning. For surrendering to Jesus is just the opposite of defeat; it means a victory over satan is accomplished and with it, freedom from sin.
You see, the difference is in the Man-God, Jesus Christ, who came to earth to offer us salvation through his death while also retaining his position as Son of God, a living part of the Holy Trinity. And without His gift of salvation we are truly lost, for only through Him can we attain Everlasting Life. Surrendering to Jesus means Victory in Jesus, victory over sin and all that it does to bring us down.
When we succumb to sin, over time it envelops us, captures us and makes us addicted to it. We lose our focus, our direction and yes, even our very lives to it. And in the end we find we really have nothing, for the things we think we gain turn out to be truly worthless in our quest for real life. So as we start another work week with many challenges and opportunities to cut corners to complete difficult tasks on schedule, maybe we need to put the power of God to work in our life to do things better. Talk to him and "walk" with Him in all that you do. He will help us solve difficult problems, do what is right and not what is expedient, and do it in the way it's meant to be. It takes trust and obedience, but when we know the result is the right thing there is great power on our side. And use this same approach in dealing with all with whom we come in contact, both friend and foe. Our example will be catching and by setting a good example while we might never know what or who it impacts, we can rest assured that it does have great impact.
And just think about it. At the end of the work week, our conscience won't bother us for we'll know that we did our best with the help of someone who never makes mistakes or gives the wrong advice. And we will also find ourselves walking down a road that has an eternal future, not just a short term fix.
Have a great week and change your life. Surrender all to Our Lord and Savior and watch life soar. And also watch the impact it has on others. Being outspoken isn't required, but by living our life the way Jesus wants the light and brightness will clearly shine through.
God bless you in all that you do.
Surrender your weaknesses, pride, sinful nature and ego to Him. You'll feel better knowing that you are finally free, no longer held hostage by the sinful nature that has infected so much of the world. It's your choice and your decision, but make it wisely and bask in the warmth and the light of God's grace. Nothing can surpass it.