Our Response to the Lord

 

Many Christians, including me, use the word “surrender” to describe our relationship with the Lord. However, the scripture does not use this word in our interaction with the Lord. Instead, the word “submit” is what used in our relationship with Him!

The word “surrender” is not anywhere in the King James Version (KJV) of the Bible. This word exists in New King James Version (NKJV). However, it is related to people surrendering to their enemies.

Surrender (according to Webster’s dictionary): to yield to the power, control, or possession of another upon compulsion or demand
bto give up completely or agree to forgo especially in favor of another

Submit (According to Strong’s Dictionary G5293):

  1. to arrange under, to subordinate

  2. to subject, put in subjection

  3. to subject one’s self, obey

  4. to submit to one’s control

  5. to yield to one’s admonition or advice

  6. to obey, be subject

There is a difference between the word “surrender” and “submit”. The word “surrender” is used generally in the context of losing our freedom by force. It also has been used to mean to be conquered by the enemy according to the book of  Jeremiah. The word surrender also has a connotation of soft giving up your idea in the favor of pleasing someone else. On the other hand, the word “submit” has to do with the recognizing the authority figure and submitting to him. 

Why do we use the word “surrender” so much more than the word “submit” in our response to the Lord!? I suggest, there are a couple of reasons for it:

  1. We like to focus on our relationship with the Lord in terms of a warm relationship such as with a parent or a friend.
  2. Submission is not a popular word in our culture. People don’t like the idea of an authority figure that expects submission. They want their freedom, rights, and independence, and they want it on their terms.

Could it be that when Christians succumb to this carnal mindset of soft surrender, that the world misses out on seeing the power, the beauty, and the effectiveness of true submission!? Could it be that we have so many relational problems because we have not learned the right way of responding to God and a result to one another!?

Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. James 4:7

Interestingly, the above scripture, tells us that submission is the key for being delivered from the hands of the enemy. If people are not willing to submit their lives to the authority of God and allow Him to take control, they will continue to live a defeated life that is tormented and harassed by the enemy. Furthermore, if they are not willing to submit to God, how could they submit to one another as the scripture teaches us!?

As you go about your day think about how you see your relationship with the Lord!? Do you see it as a soft surrender to Him? Or do you recognize the Lord’s authority over your life and are willing to be submitted to Him!?  Do you delay by days, weeks, or months in responding to His promptings?  Or do you value and respect His authority over your life and respond promptly!?

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