Obedience, Submission and Surrender

Many of us stumble when it comes to submission, surrender and obedience. That’s why Martin Luther added “Master” to “ Lord and Savior”, to make it perfectly clear that we are are slaves and servants not partners with Jesus. We often consider ourselves as being able to have input when it comes to His will for us. I meet every Thursday with three spiritual brothers and we have been working out our salvation together in fear and trembling. We are being discipled and are discipling one another and other brothers. We are reflecting on a number of ideas and questions. Here’s one that is requiring heavy lifting on our parts. I pray that reflecting on these, brings you closer to the Lord of Lords and progresses you on the path to His holiness and brings joy to you and your fellow travelers on the narrow road! Obedience and Surrender 1. Is there an area where I already know what God is asking me to do but where I have delayed obedience because of the cost? How long is the delay so far? What’s the cost? Why isn’t it worth it? 2. What does my hesitation reveal about what I value or trust most? What is the idol in my life that is in the way? Comfort? Reputation? $? 3. Where am I negotiating with God instead of surrendering to Him? Who do I think I am in this relationship? Why the arrogance? 4. Can I obey God even when I cannot see how obedience will benefit me? Why do I need to know all the challenges, all the doors that will need to be opened, all the people who will be affected by my decision? Am I also afraid of what will be asked next? 5. What would wholehearted obedience look like in my life right now? Am I capable of wholehearted obedience, whether, now or later? Who’s going to be affected and how will they perceive me? Have I ever been wholeheartedly obedient? If not, what did I withhold?