Surrender

The final stage of our growth and the highest level to live at in live, ironically, is Surrender. Once we can follow discipline, act wisely, and love unconditionally we can surrender to God completely. It is by this path that we give up our EGO's that so strongly want to keep up connected to this world through the approval of others, the gaining of things, and the attachment to making sure things work like we think they should. Once we accept instruction, practice it continously, choose right actions and thoughts, live like Christ in unconditional love and humbly, we can truly truly surrender and give our EGO up for complete trust in God our Creator. We can then be a believer completely gives up his own will and subjects his thoughts, ideas, and deeds to the will and teachings of Christ. I believe that James 4:6-10 speaks about this process:

You're cheating on God. If all you want is your own way, flirting with the world every chance you get, you end up enemies of God and his way. And do you suppose God doesn't care? The proverb has it that "he's a fiercely jealous lover." And what he gives in love is far better than anything else you'll find. It's common knowledge that "God goes against the willful proud; God gives grace to the willing humble."
So let God work his will in you. Yell a loud no to the Devil and watch him scamper. Say a quiet yes to God and he'll be there in no time. Quit dabbling in sin. Purify your inner life. Quit playing the field. Hit bottom, and cry your eyes out. The fun and games are over. Get serious, really serious. Get down on your knees before the Master; it's the only way you'll get on your feet.

You see we all have to learn to be humble, be willing to learn, will to be teachable. If we would like to think that we can get what we want and define ourselves by connecting to the things of this world - others opinions, our status in life, our job title - we are actually working against God. We must be disciplined and allow God to work in us, so that we can stop returning to our own worries and fears. We must purify our inner life first, allow instruction to change our thoughts and perspective of life. It is only then we can be wise and act on it because then we believe it. Once we truly believe it we will act on it. Once we truly act on it and experience the fullness of God's love to us and through us we become more than willing to surrender. We want to throw ourselves at God's feet. We go through a process of losing our ego and gaining God's perspective on the world. This is how we stand on our feet. Jesus said it this way:

"If you cling to your life, you will lose it; but if you give up your life for me, you will find it."

Matthew 10:39

Remember today that your life is dead, it is hid with Christ. This is God's life to live. Practice taking on the mind of Christ and recieve God's discipline and instruction. Act wisely on this instruction and love your neighbor as you love yourself. Surrender completely to God as much as you surrender to sleep when you lay your head down at night. Rest in God and find the "peace that passes all understanding."

So humble yourselves under the mighty power of God, and at the right time he will lift you up in honor. Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you.

I Peter 5:6-7

Namaste'