In a sermon I recently heard, the difference between "commitment" and "surrender" was a point of emphasis. In warfare conditions of surrender are negotiated, but not so in a life which is surrendered to Jesus Christ as LORD. Since our lives have been purchased with the shed blood of Christ, we are not our own. As Jesus laid down His will before the Father, we are to voluntarily lay our lives down before our Saviour. The comment by the preacher was if all we do is "commit" our lives to Christ, we seek to dictate our own terms or will even withdraw our commitment when it pleases us.
In light of this thought, the Oxford definition of "commitment" is interesting. It means, "The state or quality of being dedicated to a cause, activity, etc.; a pledge or undertaking; an engagement or obligation that restricts freedom of action." Men are fickle and often do not keep their commitments. We make promises we do not or cannot keep, and do not like our freedom to do as we choose restricted. A commitment can become a hindrance from what we want to do rather than being liberating. It is a burden to be borne rather than a privilege. In all our commitments we retain our sovereignty over our own will rather than surrendering our lives to the will of God.
Contrast the previous definitions with that of "surrender:" "stop resisting to an enemy or opponent and submit to their authority; give in to; give up or hand over (a person, right, or possession), typically on compulsion or demand." Christ makes many demands of His disciples, and on the strength of our commitment we are unable to fulfil any of them. We might as well claim we can do the work of God in our own strength! We are called to stop resisting or grieving the Holy Spirit through rebellion and disobedience, repent, and be filled with the Holy Spirit. If we stop short of full surrender, we attempt to remain in charge of our lives. If we are Christ's disciples, we must lay down our will so we can embrace and be empowered by God to do His.
Many Christians "recommit" their lives to Jesus many times because they have not fully surrendered to Him. Surrender is not a one-time decision, but one confirmed daily by obedience to God's Word as we deny ourselves, take up our cross daily (die to self), and follow Jesus. Praise the LORD this is His will, and when we surrender ourselves to Him He will accomplish it. Answer this question honestly: are you totally surrendered to God? Until then we resemble a child falling asleep on a merry-go-round - movement but no real progression.
In light of this thought, the Oxford definition of "commitment" is interesting. It means, "The state or quality of being dedicated to a cause, activity, etc.; a pledge or undertaking; an engagement or obligation that restricts freedom of action." Men are fickle and often do not keep their commitments. We make promises we do not or cannot keep, and do not like our freedom to do as we choose restricted. A commitment can become a hindrance from what we want to do rather than being liberating. It is a burden to be borne rather than a privilege. In all our commitments we retain our sovereignty over our own will rather than surrendering our lives to the will of God.
Contrast the previous definitions with that of "surrender:" "stop resisting to an enemy or opponent and submit to their authority; give in to; give up or hand over (a person, right, or possession), typically on compulsion or demand." Christ makes many demands of His disciples, and on the strength of our commitment we are unable to fulfil any of them. We might as well claim we can do the work of God in our own strength! We are called to stop resisting or grieving the Holy Spirit through rebellion and disobedience, repent, and be filled with the Holy Spirit. If we stop short of full surrender, we attempt to remain in charge of our lives. If we are Christ's disciples, we must lay down our will so we can embrace and be empowered by God to do His.
Many Christians "recommit" their lives to Jesus many times because they have not fully surrendered to Him. Surrender is not a one-time decision, but one confirmed daily by obedience to God's Word as we deny ourselves, take up our cross daily (die to self), and follow Jesus. Praise the LORD this is His will, and when we surrender ourselves to Him He will accomplish it. Answer this question honestly: are you totally surrendered to God? Until then we resemble a child falling asleep on a merry-go-round - movement but no real progression.
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