What Is Your Way to Surrender?

How to surrender to the will of God! Every Christian has to come up with a game plan of surrender. In spite of internal opposition, one has to discover the will of God. However, some consistently ask, “What is the will of God?” An important question that has a simple answer.

In his letter to the Romans, Paul made a clear declaration of the ultimate will of God. Even if you do not know what “calling” is on your life, just know that everyone has one calling in common.

For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren. (Romans 8:29)  

We have to understand that the will of God for every believer is that we become like Christ. Our service to Him is secondary to our character. When we understand this, our walk with Christ will not be frustrating.

This is why Paul challenged the believers at the Roman church to present themselves to God as a living sacrifice. The way we surrender to the will of God is by presenting our bodies to the Lord. We prove what the will of God is when we live holy. In addition, we are to live separate from the world. There are three foundational components to fulfilling the will of God regardless of your area of ministry and service.

First, you must be morally upright; that is, holy. This is not denominational or occupational. It is living according to the righteous standards for morality as outlined by the scriptures.

Second, you must be separate from the ungodly influences and the course of the world’s system. When we come to Christ, we enter into His kingdom. The world is in darkness and driven by lusts. Hence, the Christian can no longer live as one who has no knowledge of God.

Third, you must be prepared to be conformed to the image of Christ. Many do not progress in their relationship with Christ due to lack of expectation. They do not believe they can actually be like Christ. They use their humanity as an excuse to continue to please themselves and their desires. However, Christians have to develop a desire to surrender to God above their desire to please their personal wishes. 

The will of God is to have sons and daughters. Therefore, when Christ came, He came in the form of a son. He was to be the pattern that we should follow. He lived a holy and righteous life and He never conformed to the world’s system, but He came in affirmation and demonstration of the Father’s love and character. This is the foundation of surrendering to the will of God.

What Is Your Reason for Being?

Every Christian should ask this question: What makes me a Christian? And, if I am a Christian, what should define my “being” as a Christian? If Christians do not know their reason for being, they will not be all they can be in Christ Jesus. Christians have to understand that they can only define themselves based upon biblical standards. This is because culture and Christianity have varying viewpoints about what “being” a Christian is. 

The Christian, then, has to learn to define their being in terms of their relationship with Christ (righteousness and character), rather than by the culture (which focuses mostly on external traits -strength, money, stature, beauty, family, etc).

Before going further, the Christian should understand: 1) A Christian’s being is not based upon external characteristics, but internal traits. 2) The Definition of a Christian is found in the image of God. 3) Culture (Secular or Church) cannot define a Christian.

With this understanding, we want to offer seven primary qualities or traits of the Christian’s being.

1. The Christian reflects Christ’s image. As Adam was made in God’s image, the Christian has to be made in Christ’s image. They will reflect the characteristics of Christ. (Romans 8:29)

2. The Christian is full of wisdom and integrity. The Christian will not be a fool. They will not lack spiritual wisdom and insight. They will be full of faith like the servants chosen in Acts. (Acts 6:3a)

3. The Christian is an example of the believers in this world. The Christian will set an example that others can follow. They will represent the Christian faith well to the world. (I Timothy 4:12b)

4. The Christian home will be characterized by the worship of God. One of the qualifications for a bishop was to have his home in order. Christians will strive to have their homes in order to reflect the faith. 

5. The Christian follows the example that Christ set. Paul exhorted the Corinthians to follow his example as he followed Christ. This will be the same desire of the Christian. They will only want others to emulate them as they follow Christ. (I Corinthians 11:1)

6. The Christian is a person of prayer. In the Old Testament, servants of God offered the most powerful prayers. Prayer is a foundational element to the Christian experience. (Ephesians 6:18)

7. The Christian is a student of the Word of God. The Christian will have a desire to know God’s word. They will not shun corporate and personal study of the Word. They will also understand the foundational beliefs of the Christian faith. (II Timothy 2:15)

What is your reason for being as a Christian? Do you know how to define yourself? When you understand who you are internally, you will be able to overcome every internal struggle and live in victory.