TOTAL SURRENDER OF THE SOUL, Matthew 22:37
Whose idea was to make a separation between what we call secular and what we know as spiritual? In 1896 George Jacob Holyoake, an English writer, defined secularism in his publication English Secularism as “ a code of duty pertaining to this life, founded on considerations purely human, and intended mainly for those who find theology indefinite or inadequate, unreliable or unbelievable.” Because we have bought into this idea, many today believe that there is a separation between what we do during the week and what we do when we are involved in Church related events. Nothing is further from the truth! Our lives, every minute of it, every task we perform, is a service to God and a reflection of our relationship with Him.
The term soul, in its common biblical use, means the possession of life; it’s the life we live. It is important we give serious consideration to what following Jesus means, since it involves total surrender of the life we live. Jesus told us that the conditions for a surrendered life are Self-denial and Submission (Matthew 16:24-26).
Self-denial does not imply self-abuse or lack of self-esteem. As a Christian you should have a better self-image than any other person, but it should be based on God’s grace and not your merits. This should have a visible impact on the nature of your commitments and what you do in church and in the world. Self-denial means putting God and his kingdom priorities first. Someone said, “Discipleship is a doing of what is right, no matter how irksome the privations, no matter how great the dangers.” Taking up the cross means submission to God’s will wherever it may lead. Have you seen that tag that says “God is my co-pilot”? Well, if you wish to surrender your life to God, you better change seats. You are no longer the pilot of your life, God is.
As a follower of Christ that pledges to surrender your life to God, your lifestyle will be totally different than the life the world will offer you and will encourage you to follow. A surrendered life is a life of holiness and humility, compassion for others and suffering for the cause of Christ (Matthew 5:3–12); holiness and humility in every aspect of our lives; compassion towards all those without Christ and in need. And the willingness to pay the price for our faithfulness to God and His will in and around us. Also, your reaction to the norms of this world will be different (Matthew 5:21-22, 27-28, 33-36, 38-42, 43-44). You do not get your queue for life from the norms of this world but from God to whom you pledge total surrender.
A surrendered life is a life that impacts the world for Christ sake (Matthew 5:13–16). Does your behavior reflect your relationship with Christ at home; at work; in school? If it doesn’t, your life is not totally surrendered to God. I know that our flesh may get the best of us but, do you make restitution for your failures and show your family, your co-workers or fellow students that you are not perfect but Christ is the pilot of your life? Sometimes it requires giving up what you love in life to become God’s light to others (John 15:13).
What do you have to give up in life for someone in your circle of influence to be able to see Christ in you and give Him glory? What do you have to surrender in your daily life to become a true witness of God’s love and stop being an obstacle for them to come to Christ? Is it a habit? Maybe the words that comes out of your mouth? Is it some shaky dealing? Are you willing to give it up for the sake of God’s work in the life of others?
Lastly, a surrendered life is a life that acknowledges the Lord and declares God’s goodness to everyone in their circle of influence. This is a trademark of a believer who has surrendered his life to God. As a true follower of Christ you ought to use every opportunity you have to publicly acknowledge the Lord and give God credit for His blessings in your life and use them as a bridge to proclaim his love to the people around you.
Why is it so hard for some to publicly acknowledge the Lord and render honor and glory to God for His blessings? Why keep it private? Maybe it is because you do not want people to know you are a follower of Christ. Maybe it is because your life is not compatible with your claim to be a Christian or maybe it is because you do not want to upset your friends or family. You need to choose. Either you take care of your excuses and gain the favor of God or keep silence and lose His favor upon your life (Matthew 10:32–33).
SERMON ARCHIVES
 Praying on the Battlefield A Living Savior, A Living Destiny
Give, Live and Love
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