The Christian life has always been a mystery to the unconverted. Passionate and seemingly blind allegiance to the church and it’s leaders. Commitment way beyond what is normal in our self focussed world. And perhaps worst of all a willingness to part with our money for the sake of a cause not felt by all.
Why is it that the Christian faith elicits such responses from seemingly normal people.
To me it all comes down to – absolute surrender. I grew up singing the song – all to Jesus I surrender, all to Him I freely give. This heart felt sentiment is still the crux of the Christian life.
Absolute surrender means the following;
1. Giving up our personal rights to self promotion and fulfillment.
Stop fighting for all those things you think you deserve. Self promotion looks ugly on anybody.
2. Submitting ourselves under the authorities established in Christ’s church.
God puts us under imperfect leaders for a reason. Learn to serve an imperfect leader and God will perfect His will in you.
3. Stewarding our resources so that His kingdom comes and His will is done.
Use what you have to build His house and He will establish yours. The love of money is often as strong in the church as in the world.
4. Choosing to go into all – our worlds – with the good news of salvation for all.
We must keep extending the borders of our own world to reach into the world of others. Don’t just try to bring people into your world – enter into theirs.
5. Exercising continual forgiveness toward all mankind so that they see Christ’s love in us.
Forgiveness is the height of wisdom – when exercised it brings all kinds of blessing.
Absolute surrender is still the way of the Kingdom of God.
