Surrender.

In a time so filled with war, crime, conflict, and the like, this word likely carries with it powerful images and associations of a person (or people) that feel compelled to give up absolutely everything – freedom(s), rights, choice, privacy, privilege, autonomy, and even individuality. The kinds of things that most of us probably don’t think too much about, too often, but if we were ever to be faced with possibility of losing, we would fight tooth and nail for. No, we would not give these things up without a fight – and even then, only if there was absolutely no other way. No other choice. No other option.

The idea of surrender, for most of us, likely brings with it a sort of repulsion or ideological violation. We want nothing to do with it.

And yet, for those of us who claim to be followers of Jesus, this is the invitation we are given. To surrender. Everything.

I think this is one of the reasons that so many people struggle with the call of Jesus to, “Come, follow me.”

We like the free gift of salvation.

And even the call to discipleship gives us a sense of having a measure of control in the matter… but, the invitation to surrender our life…

That is a real challenge for most of who call ourselves Christians, isn’t it?

And working with college students, I get to see this very real tension lived out on a daily basis.

In a season of experiencing new freedoms, in so many different facets of life, it seems almost incomprehensible that you would be faced with such a challenging request.

Surrender.

All.

Jesus doesn’t just want certain portions of our life, or time frames of our week, or segments of our character, or etc., etc.

Jesus wants all of us. All of you.

Jesus wants us to live a life that is fully devoted – fully surrendered – to Him.

He won’t force us to do this. Instead, He simply extends to each of us the invitation – to surrender our lives to Him.

There’s so much more that can be said – and hopefully, will be over the next couple of months.

But for now, a few questions to ponder:

 

How do you comprehend this invitation to surrender?

What level of surrender does your life currently reflect?

Are you OK with that?

Do you think God wants more?