Commitment vs Surrender

The word ‘commitment’ has been used for the last number of years when we describe a healthy relationship with Christ. However, as this word came into more and more favor as a descriptor, another word fell into disuse. That word is ‘surrender’. Until more recently we talked about surrender to Christ. Surrender means giving up control, turning over all to the Master of Our Life, Jesus Christ. By changing to the word ‘commitment’ our relationship with Christ has become something we do, therefore we are able to keep control. Surrender means giving up all rights to one’s self. We don’t like to do that so, instead, we make a commitment.

Have you truly surrendered—not just committed—your life to Jesus Christ? Surrender is not taking control of ourselves to be better Christians. Rather, it is utterly giving up all rights to ourselves in humble reliance on the grace, love, and mercy of our good God. This is the foundation of real joy and happiness, regardless of the circumstances we face. Surrendering to God is an act of faith. It allows God to direct us wherever we go. The prayer below is from Michael Slaughter’s book “Real Followers, Beyond Virtual Christianity”. May it guide you in full surrender today.

Lord, I [we] want to be a real follower of Jesus under your command.
I will no longer be my own. I will give myself up to you in all areas.
Lord, make me all that you can. I put myself fully into your hands.
Put me to doing, put me to suffering.
Let me be employed for you or laid aside for you.
Let me be full, let me be empty.
Let me have all things, let me have nothing.
I freely and with a willing heart give all to your pleasure and disposal. Amen.