<http://www.purposedrivenlife.com/>
2009/02/23
<http://www.purposedrivenlife.com/en-US/EmailPosting.htm?Article=%7BAAC716E5-842D-46F4-9173-9709B5DEFF7D%7D>
The Practice of Surrender
by Rick Warren
"If people want to follow me, they must give up the things they want. They
must be willing even to give up their lives to follow me." Matthew 16:24
(NCV)
*** *** *** ***
Paul's moment of surrender occurred on the Damascus road after he was
knocked down by blinding light. For others, less drastic methods are needed
to get our attention.Regardless, surrendering is never just a one-time
event.Paul said, "I die daily" (1 Corinthians 15:31 NASB).
There is a moment of surrender and there is the practice of surrender, which
is moment-by-moment and lifelong. The practice of surrender requires
perseverance; you may have to re-surrender your life fifty times a day: "If
people want to follow me, they must give up the things they want. They must
be willing even to give up their lives [daily] to follow me" (Matthew 16:24
NCV).
Let me warn you: When you decide to live a totally surrendered life, that
decision will be tested. Sometimes it will mean doing inconvenient,
unpopular, costly, or seemingly impossible tasks.It will often mean doing
the opposite of what you feel like doing.
"Those who are living by their natural inclinations have their minds on the
things human nature desires; those who live in the Spirit have their minds
on spiritual things" (Romans 8:5 NJB).
We are, by nature, self-centered. When hurt by someone, your natural
inclination is to hurt back.It is natural to hoard money instead of
generously sharing it, to defend yourself when criticized, to hide your
mistakes instead of confessing them, and to try to impress others. You can
usually figure out what will please God by doing the opposite of your
natural inclination.
Bill Bright founded Campus Crusade for Christ. Through the worldwide Crusade
staff, his tract "The Four Spiritual Laws," and the "JESUS" film (seen by
over one billion people), it's estimated that over 150 million people have
come to Christ and will spend eternity in heaven.
I once asked Bill, "Why did God use and bless your life so much?" He said,
"When I was a young man I made a contract with God.I literally wrote it out
and signed my name at the bottom.It said 'From this day forward, I am a
slave of Jesus Christ.'"
Have you signed a contract like that with God? Or, are you still arguing and
struggling with God over his right to do with your life as he pleases?
It is time to surrender – to God's grace, love, and wisdom.
.
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'Unless you change what you do, you will always have what you've got.'
- Jim Rohn
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