Submit yourselves, then, to God. James 4:7 (NIV)
The unconditional surrender of Japan at the end of World War II meant that there were no negotiated terms. Japan had to accept the Allied demands without bargaining. Including disarmament, occupation, and the restructuring of its government. The country came under the control of the Allied Powers, subject to its demands.
Historically speaking, most surrenders are negotiated, having terms and conditions. When James says, “Submit yourselves, then, to God,” he paints a picture of unconditional surrender. This is in contrast to the way we negotiate with God sometimes. People in desperate situations, bargain with God. “If you get me out of this jam, I’ll serve you, etc.”
Even worse are those who “sell Jesus,” with catchphrases like “Try God,” or “Give Jesus a Chance.” Treating the King of Kings like toothpaste or a new restaurant should be abhorrent to us.
How then should we surrender to God? It would seem obvious to say totally and completely, but what holds us back? What does it say about our faith in God when we are only willing to surrender conditionally?
I Surrender All?
And so, dear brothers and sisters, I plead with you to give your bodies to God because of all he has done for you. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice—the kind he will find acceptable. This is truly the way to worship him. Romans 12:1 (NLT)
The word surrender is not common in the New Testament. We find it in the NIV once, but it does not appear in many other translations. Nevertheless, it is a sound scriptural principle. The dictionary defines surrender as: “to yield to the power, control, or possession of another upon compulsion or demand.” Or the “action of yielding one’s person or giving up the possession of something especially into the power of another.”
When I was younger, the song “I Surrender All” was a favorite. As a worship leader, I selected it frequently. My senior pastor, Dr. Joseph Bohac, once wondered if we were making liars of everyone. Total and unconditional surrender is difficult, and so many people do not even try.
In Romans, we read that we are to give our bodies to God as living sacrifices. Someone once said, “the problem with living sacrifices is that we are always trying to get off the altar.” Jesus knows that it is difficult to give everything to him. He tells us, “So don’t follow me without considering what it will cost you.” Luke 14:28 (TPT)
There are two ways of looking at what it will cost. Following Christ can bring rejection from the world, but even from our family and those close to us. Paul said, Yes, and everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution. 2 Timothy 3:12 (NLT). It’s true, but there is also a cost to be calculated in not following Christ.
Pierce My Ear
“But suppose your servant says, ‘I will not leave you,’ because he loves you and your family, and he has done well with you. In that case, take an awl and push it through his earlobe into the door. After that, he will be your servant for life. Deuteronomy 15:16–17 (NLT)
It is one thing to be forced into unconditional surrender because our defeat is overwhelming, but to volunteer surrender reflects love. Christ never forces us or demands that we surrender to him. The world may beat us into submission and surrender, but Christ calls us to follow him.
In ancient Israel, slaves were to be set free after serving for 7 years. Masters were not to send the slaves away empty-handed, nor were they to deny freedom. But if a slave saw how good it was for him, he could choose to remain. To identify a slave in this manner, his ear was pierced with an awl. A slave who had voluntarily surrendered his freedom could easily be recognized.
It makes sense that those who are surrendered to Christ can be identified. The apostle Paul, who endured much physical violence told us: From now on, don’t let anyone trouble me with these things. For I bear on my body the scars that show I belong to Jesus. Galatians 6:17 (NLT)
Physical abuse may not occur as a result of following Christ. We do not have our ear pierced with an awl. We can however exhibit Christ in our lives to the extent that people know that we are his disciples.
Nevertheless
So if you are suffering in a manner that pleases God, keep on doing what is right, and trust your lives to the God who created you, for he will never fail you. 1 Peter 4:19 (NLT)
Theoretically, the concept of surrender is quite simple. We yield the decision-making for our lives to God. We will face situations that do not make sense to our intellect. Our goal is to please God rather than ourselves. A life that is surrendered does not have the final say.
An unwillingness to surrender to God is a sign that we do not truly trust him. Until we get to the place where we believe that God has our best interest, our surrender will be incomplete. Jesus said, “So why do you keep calling me ‘Lord, Lord!’ when you don’t do what I say? Luke 6:46 (NLT)
Surrender does not always make sense, nor is it easy to follow through. When Jesus was in the garden of Gethsemane before going to the cross, he confronted the reality before him. The pain and the suffering were real. Jesus questioned if there might not be another way. “Father, if you are willing, take this cup away from me—nevertheless, not my will, but yours, be done.” Luke 22:42 (CSB)
Our willingness to surrender unconditionally to God will be tested. The words of a song come to mind.
It will be worth it all when we see Jesus!
Life’s trials will seem so small when we see Christ.
One glimpse of his dear face, all sorrow will erase.
So, bravely run the race till we see Christ.
We can surrender by focusing on the future. The master said, ‘Well done, my good and faithful servant.’
Steve Ekeroth