I SURRENDER
THE SPIRITUAL PRACTICE OF SURRENDER
“Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ.” Ephesians 5:21
“He [that is Jesus] must become greater, and I must become less.” John 3:30
The Spiritual Practice for this week is SURRENDER. Christ models surrender in the Garden of Gethsemane, when he ends his prayer with “not my will, but yours be done.”
Biblical surrender is an invitation to relinquish control and place our faith in God. As we surrender, we acknowledge that God’s ways are better than our own, and His plans for us are far greater than what we can fathom.
The idea of surrendering ourselves to someone is an unpopular and avoided concept these days. The notion of giving away power brings to mind images of becoming a doormat, a week-willed nonentity, or a brainwashed cult follower. But this is NOT the Biblical model of surrender. True Biblical surrender isn’t linked solely to hierarchy and roles.
Godly surrender is rooted in God’s good and loving intentions for each one of us. It is a way we allow God’s kingdom agenda to shape our choices, relationships, and vocations. And it always works in conjunction with our personal freedom. It is through surrendering to God that we become more human, the person God intended us to be.
Scripture makes it very clear that God has a plan and knows the best way for people to live. Surrendering is trusting that God’s instructions concerning this life are good and following them brings us life.
REFECTION
- These Biblical passages talk about surrender. As you read them what stands out for you? Where do you see God’s invitation to surrender ourselves to him?
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- Deny yourselves (Luke 9:23)
- Come to me (Matthew 11:28-30)
- Subject yourselves (James 4:7-8a)
- Give me your heart (Proverbs 23:26)
- Renounce all we have (Luke 14:33)
- We must decrease while God increases (John 3:30)
- Humble yourselves (James 4:10)
2. What do these verses tell us about steps we can take to practice surrender?
3. Consider a character flaw you would like to have transformed in your life. What spiritual discipline might help you cooperate with God in his transforming work? Willingly practice this discipline for a stipulated period of time. Submit your process to a trusted friend. What is this like for you?