The Journey from Commitment to Full Surrender: Let's Talk About Deeper Faith

You know, in today's fast-paced world where everyone's juggling a million things, it's easy to treat our faith like just another item on the to-do list—go to church, read a Bible verse, say a quick prayer. But lately, I've been thinking a lot about what the Bible really calls us to, especially after sharing a homily with some dedicated fundamentalist Christians who are all about sticking to the pure, unchanging Word of God. We dove into the difference between being a committed Christian and a surrendered one, and man, it hit home. It's not about splitting hairs; it's about checking our hearts and seeing if we're truly all in with Jesus. So, grab a coffee, pull up a chair, and let's chat about this. I'll break it down with some Scripture, and maybe it'll spark something in you like it did for me.

 So, What's a Committed Christian Really Look Like?

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Alright, let's start here. A committed Christian? That's someone who's genuinely said yes to Jesus and is putting in the effort to live it out. They're the folks you can count on—the ones showing up every Sunday, maybe leading a small group or helping out with the youth. Think about it:

- They've got the basics down: They've trusted Christ as their Savior, gotten baptized, and they're trying to follow what the Bible says, like the Ten Commandments or loving your neighbor. Remember Ephesians 2:8-9? It's all about grace through faith, not our own works, but then Philippians 2:12 tells us to work out that salvation with some serious reverence.

- Spiritual habits are their jam: Bible study, prayer time, giving generously, sharing the Gospel—they're on it. It's like James 1:22 says, don't just hear the Word, do it! These people might be out there volunteering or going on mission trips because they feel called.

- Moral living is key: They steer clear of the big no-nos—stuff like cheating, gossip, or chasing after worldly stuff. 1 John 2:15-17 warns us not to love the world, and committed folks take that seriously.

But here's the thing—and I say this with love—commitment can sometimes feel like it's running on our own steam. It's like that rich young guy in Mark 10:17-22 who was super religious, kept all the rules, and even asked Jesus about eternal life. But when Jesus said, "Sell everything and follow me," he couldn't do it. Ouch. His commitment had boundaries; he wasn't ready to let go of his stuff. Sound familiar? Maybe we've all been there, holding onto our plans or comforts. Jesus puts it bluntly in Matthew 7:21-23: Not everyone calling Him Lord is truly in. Commitment's great, but without going deeper, it can lead to exhaustion or even slipping when life gets tough.

Okay, Now Let's Get into What a Surrendered Christian Is

Now, flip the script to a surrendered Christian. This is where it gets exciting—and a bit scary, if we're honest. Surrender isn't about adding more to your plate; it's about handing the whole plate over to God. It's that total trust where you're like, "God, You're in charge." Let's unpack it:

- It's all about dying to self: Like Paul says in Galatians 2:20, "I've been crucified with Christ—it's not me living anymore, but Him through me." You're putting your own wants, dreams, and even fears on the back burner so Jesus can take the wheel.

- Everything's on the table: Romans 12:1-2 talks about offering yourself as a living sacrifice—body, mind, all of it. No holding back on your job, relationships, money, or whatever. It's about transforming how you think to line up with God's will.

- Obedience wrapped in trust: Just like Jesus in the garden, praying "Not my will, but Yours" (Luke 22:42). You're leaning on Proverbs 3:5-6, trusting God fully, and James 4:7—submit to Him, and the devil flees. It's daily picking up your cross, as in Luke 9:23-24, and finding real life by losing yours for Him.

- The payoff? Real fruit and power: When you're not relying on yourself, God's strength kicks in. Look at Peter—he was committed but denied Jesus three times (Matthew 26:33-35). But after surrendering in John 21:15-19, boom, he becomes a powerhouse for the early church.

Surrender's not a once-and-done deal; it's a daily vibe check, especially with all the craziness in the world today—false teachings, cultural shifts. For those of us who hold firm to Bible truths like a literal six-day creation or Jesus' return any day, surrender keeps us strong.

What's the Big Difference, and Why Should We Care?

You see, commitment might say, "God, I'll do my part if it fits my schedule." But surrender's like, "God, whatever You say, I'm in—no questions." One's powered by you; the other's all God. In Jesus' parable of the sower (Matthew 13:1-23), committed faith might sprout fast but fade in the heat or get choked by worries. Surrendered faith? That's the good soil, producing big time.

And for us standing on rock-solid Bible fundamentals, commitment alone won't cut it against the pushback we face. Revelation 3:15-16 calls out lukewarm faith—God wants us all in, hot for Him.

Your Turn: Let's Make This Personal

So, what's stirring in you right now? Are you more committed or surrendered? If there's something you're clutching too tight, maybe it's time to let go. Start simple: Pray about it, confess, and trust Psalm 37:5—commit your way to Him, and He'll handle the rest.

I'd love to hear from you in the comments. Has surrendering changed things for you? Share your story—it might encourage someone else.

Walking this out with you,  

DMMC 

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