Surrender
Living Liberty Today with Charlie Earl
The word, surrender, usually suggests losing or weakness. It carries a sense of despair because one has run out of options for securing a favorable outcome. Ultimately, surrendering advances the hope of survival trusting that the victor does not go ‘scorched earth’ once the white flag has been waved. Surrender is giving up to a superior opponent.
Sometimes surrender does not necessarily represent defeat but can be an act of prudence. If one’s gains result in an exhaustion of assets, surrender before total decimation is a logical course of action. Having been married for more than a half-century, the principle of strategic surrender is a familiar reality for me. Also, not all surrendering involves competition or combat.
Our emotional states and psyches are very susceptible to surrender. If we believe we’re overwhelmed or at wit’s end, we may yield or surrender even though we may possess the means to battle on. So, emotional fragility or weakness could trigger a surrender. This is often the status of someone who falls into immoral or sinful behavior. On the other hand, evil behavior and actions appear to be wholly intentional and involve a complete surrender to destructive action.
Merriam Webster defines surrender:
1
a
: to yield to the power, control, or possession of another upon compulsion or demand
surrendered the fort
b
: to give up completely or agree to forgo especially in favor of another
2
a
: to give (oneself) up into the power of another especially as a prisoner
b
: to give (oneself) over to something (such as an influence)
I find the “prisoner” definition quite compelling. In many respects any surrendering includes an element of ‘prisonership (sic).’ When one surrenders, one cedes an element of control or forgoes some level of behavioral freedom.
Diving further into the rabbit hole, the first Webster definition for the noun “surrender” is illustrative:
a
: the action of yielding one’s person or giving up the possession of something especially into the power of another.
Relinquishing oneself or possession can be restricting or emancipating depending upon the circumstances. If one voluntary walks into a cell, mobility is severely curtailed, but if one discards a bad habit, life supposedly improves.
OK, it’s time for my weekly sermonette:
At the end of every Sunday service, we sing a song of invitation and commitment. Obviously, it is somewhat staged, but also serves as an opportunity for someone to confess, repent and declare her/his faith in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. “I Surrender All” is one song that we sing at invitation time.
All to Jesus I surrender,
All to Him I freely give;
I will ever love and trust Him,
In His presence daily live.
o Refrain:
I surrender all,
I surrender all;
All to Thee, my blessed Savior,
I surrender all.
All to Jesus I surrender,
Humbly at His feet I bow;
Worldly pleasures all forsaken,
Take me, Jesus, take me now.All to Jesus I surrender,
Make me, Savior, wholly Thine;
Let me feel the Holy Spirit,
Truly know that Thou art mine.All to Jesus I surrender,
Lord, I give myself to Thee;
Fill me with Thy love and power,
Let Thy blessing fall on me.All to Jesus I surrender,
Now I feel the sacred flame;
Oh, the joy of full salvation!
Glory, glory, to His Name!
I Surrender All
Judson W. Van DeVenter, 1896
Personally, when I fully surrendered to Jesus, my life became purposeful and meaningful. I’m still an incomplete vessel, but the process of sanctification has given me a level of peace and joy that has eluded me for years. It’s why I preach. I want others to share my joy.
Surrender every part of your life to Jesus’ leadership and ask Him to be not just your Savior, but also your Lord and king.