Learn about the reasons why we should give ourselves to God in the next article.
“Let not yours be the outward adorning with braiding of hair, decoration of gold, and wearing of robes, but let it be the hidden person of the heart with the imperishable jewel of a gentle and quiet spirit, which in God’s sight is very precious.” Peter 3:3-4
Surrender means giving up our property, relinquishing control of what we consider ours: Our goods, our time, our rights. When we surrender ourselves to God, we are simply recognizing that what we possess really belongs to Him.
“The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately corrupt; who can understand it? 'I the Lord search the mind and try the heart, to give every man according to his ways, according to the fruit of his doings.' ” Jeremiah 17:9-10
He is the one who provides all good things, and we are responsible for taking care of what God has given us, as stewards of His property, but by surrendering to God we admit that He is ultimately in control of everything, including our current circumstances. Giving ourselves to God helps us to let go the things that separate us from the best that God has to offer for our lives. By surrendering ourselves to God, we let go of the things that prevent us from desiring God’s ways first and foremost.
“Let not loyalty and faithfulness forsake you; bind them about your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart. So you will find favor and good repute in the sight of God and man.” Proverbs 3:3-4
It is no big secret that we are in a world where there are consistently great technological and scientific advances. However, we are also discovering that it is becoming increasingly difficult for us to believe in things we do not see, in things we can not measure and verify through our senses. On the flip side, sometimes it is the same progress that we have achieved that shows us its own limits and shortcomings.
“But the Lord said to Samuel, 'Do not look on his appearance or on the height of his stature, because I have rejected him; for the Lord sees not as man sees; man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart.' ” Samuel 16:7
A certain dissatisfaction is growing in us and it leads us to see that not all the answers are found in the progress of material things. Deep in our hearts we realize that we can not live on only material things, we also need love, meaning, and hope, a sure foundation.
“My son, do not forget my teaching, but let your heart keep my commandments; for length of days and years of life and abundant welfare will they give you.” Proverbs 3:1-2
None of these tips will be effective without a life that embraces prayer and the sacraments. Lets practice repentance, guided by an honest and humble study in order to remain in God’s grace. Prayer is time spent in the presence of God, wherever we are. It is only natural and necessary to spend time with who you love. This is true in our human relationships, and it is especially true in our relationship with God, who can meet all our needs.
“Take good care to observe the commandment and the law which Moses the servant of the Lord commanded you, to love the Lord your God, and to walk in all his ways, and to keep his commandments, and to cleave to him, and to serve him with all your heart and with all your soul.” Joshua 22:5
Let's practice a daily assessment in order to see how well we live in our faith. Identify ways and examples where we fail to give ourselves over to Christ. Look for the causes of these failures and take active measures to modify the factors that lead to failure.