Actual surrender.

When you think of real surrender to the cross, what does that even mean? What does it really look like to give your life over to the Lord?

The Church answer: go to Church on Sunday mornings. Read your Bible everyday. Pray every night. Do those things, and you will probably be good. You should have no problem 'getting into Heaven.'

Most everyone, whether they have grown up in the Church or not, believe this and try to practice it to some extent. Don't get me wrong, these things are great. And they are vital to growing in your relationship with the Lord. But have you ever thought if there is really more than that? Have you ever thought about the fact that no matter what your background may consist of, we are all called to do the same things?

People out of the Church today often say, "Surrender for you and surrender for your neighbor may look different, but they are both chasing after a common goal."

I hate that. 

When Jesus was walking the earth, do you think he ever told people, "As long as you go to Church Sunday morning and worship me, you'll be good! And for you, just read my word once a day, and you'll be saved."?  No, he didn't. Why? Because surrender is not becoming a church go-er. So what's changed? Why, just because were in the 21st century, does Christianity look so much different than it did when Jesus was in body? It does not make sense. 

"Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always to the very end of the age." 

Matthew 28:19.

That is as clear as it's gonna get.  

A sunday Christian? No.

Read the Bible once a day? No.

Pray before bed? No.

Tell people your saved, but never back it up? Absolutely not. 

That is not the way were called to live as followers of Christ. We were made for such a greater purpose then to sit in a pue and keep this insane love to ourselves. 

Some people say, "I'm not being called overseas. But bless you for going." Nooooooo. No. No. No. That's not truth. That's not speaking with a heart from the Lord. We are all made with hearts for the nations. Every. Last. One. The difference is, not all of us are going to obey. 

The Lord says to make our earthly relationships resemble hate to the way we are in love with Him. Sell everything we have, give it to the poor.  (Luke 14) 

Why is that so hard to accept?

Let me back up, none of the above is wrong. In fact, I encourage you to find a Church for Sunday morning. And pray to the God of the universe. And no, I'm not saying to get rid of everything you own. But my point? Where on the ladder of your material possessions and people on earth does the call of the Lord fit in? 

We are called to carry His name to everywhere. To everyone. In all areas of the earth. That is surrendering your life over to this awesome King of the world. 

We are called to surrender it all. And believe me, once you do, you will long to spread the crazy name Jesus has entrusted to us. And I don't want you to miss out.