Submitting

Denying ourselves can be hard in a “me” focused world. Submitting ourselves to God does not mean that we have one foot in following Jesus and one foot out following ourselves and/or the world. It is vital that we go all in and follow Jesus completely. (Revelation 3:15-16), where Jesus says "I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other! So, because you are lukewarm—neither hot nor cold—I am about to spit you out of my mouth".

Just as the author of Hebrews tells us, we need to fix our eyes on Jesus and focus on Him. Following Jesus means we obey Him and put what He said into practice. The Lord tells us, “If you love me, keep my commands” (John 14:15). 

By serving God in our actions, choices, and lives, we are demonstrating that Jesus is the center of our lives. Acts of service to God attest to the truth that God is worthy of all of our worship, praise, and adoration.

Submission to God cannot occur only once in a while or when we “feel like it.” Rather, submitting ourselves to God needs to be done daily and with every fiber of our being.

A Joyful Life

When we submit ourselves to God, we will live a much more joyful life. God is the Creator of our souls, and we are going to be the most joyful when we are serving Him, following Him, and obeying Him. A life of hopelessness stems from a life that is not focusing on God.

In addition to a more joyful life, submitting ourselves to God also helps us to resist the devil (James 4:7). Resisting the devil means turning away from the things of the world and resisting them. The Bible is clear that Satan is the “god” of this world (2 Corinthians 4:4).

The Bible is also clear that we cannot be friends with both the world and God (James 4:4). If we are friends with the world, then we are enemies of God. This is why it is vital that we resist the devil and the temptations of the world.

The Bible promises us that if we submit ourselves to God and resist the devil, the devil will flee from us (James 4:7). Therefore, by submitting ourselves to God through following Him, focusing on Him, serving Him, and obeying Him, we can resist the devil and live a life to the glory of God.

You can choose today to resist the devil and no longer listen to his lies. Instead of listening to Satan and the world, choose to listen to God and submit yourself to Him. God loves you unconditionally and that will never change.

With God, there is only light, love, and mercy. Submitting ourselves to God will lead to a life of pure devotion to God and a joyful life in worship to the Savior of our souls. If you are finding it difficult to submit to God, pray to Him and ask for His help.

The Lord hears every prayer, and He answers in accordance with His divine Will (1 Peter 3:12; Romans 8:28). God can give help through the Holy Spirit’s work in your life.