DELIGHTING IN SURRENDERING TO GOD'S WILL

We are called to deny ourselves, and to follow God’s will. We see this in Luke 9:23 – “And He said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me.”

If we think about it, this is quite a radical command. The cross is an instrument of execution, and to take up one’s cross means to die to self. Notice this is a complete surrender – it’s not to keep some part of your will remaining. It means putting aside our own desires and wishes completely, and following Christ whole-heartedly. Also notice that we are called to make this choice daily.

Why such a radical command? Why must we surrender our will completely to God? We consider a few reasons below.

1. We are the created, and God is the creator. Juxtaposed against modern concepts of individuality and self-expression, it can be strange to do the opposite. Yet it is not that strange when we consider who we are, in relation to God. Isaiah 45:9 reads “Woe unto him that striveth with his Maker! Let the potsherd strive with the potsherds of the earth. Shall the clay say to him that fashioneth it, What makest thou? or thy work, He hath no hands?” While we do have free will, exercising this free will by having our own will overrides God’s will is as absurd as the clay overriding the wishes of the potter.

2. If we are worldly-minded, such a mind cannot submit to God. Romans 8:7 says “Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be.” When our own will takes centre-stage, our desires will always be at odds with God’s will.

3. Our wills are deceitful, tempting us, leading to death. Jeremiah 17:9 says “The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?” The heart can be considered the source of sin – giving birth to the lust of the eye, lust of the flesh, and pride of life. The heart tells us to give in to what we ourselves want, in return for gratification. These deceitful desires tempt us and draw us away. James 1:14 says “But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed.” And we all know, that sin then ultimately leads to death.

Does this radical command seem burdensome? If it does, it may reveal a little sickness in our hearts. Essentially, our heart is saying – no, I do not want to surrender wholly to God and wholly follow His will, because I think that it may be painful, burdensome, and dreary. So, let me have my way in some things, that it may be less painful. But that is essentially still our heart deceiving us.

This radical command should not be burdensome. Matthew 11:30 says “For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” The Bible teaches this plainly. We also see this in the parable of the pearl of great price. Matthew 11:45-46 says “Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto a merchant man, seeking goodly pearls: Who, when he had found one pearl of great price, went and sold all that he had, and bought it.” We are called to willingly give up all that we have, to gain Christ. So, it should not be burdensome.

We consider a few reasons why:

1. Surrender comes from a place of love. We are not just obeying the will of any person, but Christ, who died for us. It is easy to go along with the will of someone we love – our parents, spouse, children, etc. We naturally want to fulfill their will and make them happy. It is not a burdensome task. Now, replace “parents, spouse, children” with “Christ”, and it’s natural why this surrender should not be burdensome.

2. Surrender gives us peace. Philippians 4:6-7 says “Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” Notice how the peace comes – by praying, and by keeping our hearts and minds through Christ. It is not by leaning upon our own will.

3. Our desires can be transformed. Romans 12:2 says “And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.” How does this transformation and renewal happen? The clue is in 2 Corinthians 3:18, which is the only other place Paul uses the word “transformed”; it says “But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord.” Thus, transformation happens as we behold God and his glory. Renewing our minds in God’s glory thus transforms our desires, which then helps us not conform to the world. This way, our lives become proof of the perfect will of God.

To summarise, we have a radical calling – death to our own will, and surrender to God’s will. This is a natural order of things, for us as the created, to surrender to the Creator. Yet it is also a delightful command, to surrender to a Person in love, giving us peace. With deeper and deeper surrender, our minds are further transformed and renewed, making surrender, obedience, and love easier and more delightful each day.

Ask Yourself:

1. What did Jesus say His followers must do?

2. Why is there such a command?

3. How have I been living out this command of Jesus and what help will I need to do so?

Suggested Answers:

1. Deny ourselves and follow God’s will (Luke 9:23).

2. a. God is the Creator and we are His creation

b. We cannot submit to His will if we are worldly-minded.

c. Our hearts are deceitful, tempting us and leading us to spiritual death.

3. You may discuss this with any Bible class teachers.