No Surrogate Surrender

People are different. Christians are different. Some can do things you can’t, some can do things you can but better. Some can fill in for you, complement you, represent you, certainly edify you. Maybe it’s a knowledge thing, a skill ability, giftedness or resources. Some follow, some lead, all good.

But no one else can submit to God for you. There is no surrogate for surrender. Of course Jesus obeyed in perfect righteousness in our place for sake of our salvation, and then He gives us His Spirit for sake of our sanctification. “You were bought with a price” (1 Corinthians 6:20), so glorify God by yielding yourself, all your life, to Him. “Submit yourselves therefore to God” (James 4:7).

Do you want His will to be done on earth in your heart, as it is in heaven? Or is it your will when it’s not time to be “spiritual”? Are you trying to get your will affirmed in heaven? Do you envision the Father saying, “Hey, angels, look at this guy. His plan is even better than mine”?

“In all your ways acknowledge Him” (Proverbs 3:6). There is a second half to the verse, and that half is hopeful. But the first part demands full surrender. Daily. Each decision. Are you yielding when you wake up, your first moments? Are you yielding each time you open your phone, the apps you use? Are you yielding in “every thought … to obey Christ” (2 Corinthians 10:5)?