Surrender---So often, in Christian culture, it seems that we throw out that word. "God, I
surrender my life to you," but then we go back on our vows made to God. I don't think it's a decision conscientiously made, most of the time, but it is a choice or a course of action that we tend to take. We tell God that we're giving him our dreams, our relationships, our lives, but have we really made the
commitment? Or are we just giving God our lives like we would give the banker our possessions to put into a safety deposit box--knowing that eventually, we would take back the items (or in this case, our lives, dreams, relationships, etc.)?
Ecclesiastes 5:1-7 says,"Guard your steps when you go to the house of God. Go near to listen rather than to offer the sacrifice of fools, who do not know that they do wrong. Do not be quick with your mouth, do not be hasty in your heart to utter anything before God. God is in heaven and you are on earth, so let your words be few. As a dream comes when there are many cares, so the speech of a fool when there are many words. When you make a vow to God, do not delay in fulfilling it. He has no pleasure in fools; fulfill your vow.
It is better not to vow than to make a vow and not fulfill it. Do not let your mouth lead you into sin. And do not protest to the temple messenger, 'My vow was a mistake.' Why should God be angry at what you say and destroy the work of your hands? Much dreaming and many words are meaningless. Therefore stand in awe of God. [emphasis added]"
I realize that we all fall short and mess up often. I'm human, too--I get that. But instead of continuing down a destructive path when we mess up, let's challenge ourselves to "get back on the horse" and live the lives that God has called us to live--and fulfill the promises that we have made to Him.
The American Heritage Dictionary defines surrender as this:
1) To relinquish possession or control of to another because of demand or compulsion.
2) To give up or give back (something granted).
Today, let's live out the second definition of surrender--let's give back to God what is rightfully his, instead of momentarily giving up control out of compulsion. It's tough to do, but it is what God has asked of us and definitely what He deserves from us.
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