Devotional
When you knelt at the cross and gave your life to Christ, something profound happened that goes far deeper than many of us realize. You didn’t just receive forgiveness – you surrendered every right to yourself. You traded ownership of your life for the incredible privilege of belonging to God. This is where the rubber meets the road in authentic Christian living. The old man – that self-centered, self-justifying, self-protecting nature – has to be put away completely. Not reformed, not improved, not accessorized with religious activities, but put away. Why? Because that old nature was killing you, destroying you, and leading you toward spiritual death. But here’s the beautiful truth: you can’t accomplish this surrender through willpower alone. The only way the old man truly goes away is when the Holy Spirit of God breathes on you and takes that old stone heart and breaks it up into a heart of flesh. It’s a supernatural work that requires your cooperation but is accomplished by God’s power. This surrender isn’t a one-time event – it’s a daily choice. Every morning, you wake up with the opportunity to live for yourself or to live for Christ. Every decision becomes a chance to satisfy the flesh or glorify Christ. Every interaction is an opportunity to demonstrate that your life truly belongs to Him. The world is desperate to see people who have genuinely surrendered their rights to themselves and are living completely for Christ. When they see this kind of authentic transformation, they step back in awe. They see something they’ve been searching for their entire lives – a life that’s truly free, truly purposeful, and truly beautiful.
Bible Verse
“Anyone who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing something useful with their own hands, that they may have something to share with those in need.” – Ephesians 4:28
Reflection Question
What rights to yourself are you still holding onto that God is asking you to surrender completely to Him?
Quote
“When you knelt at the cross, you surrendered every right to yourself.” -Pastor Jerry Madden
Prayer
Lord Jesus, I acknowledge that when I came to You, I surrendered every right to myself. Help me to live out this surrender daily, choosing Your will over my own, Your glory over my comfort. Break up any remaining stone in my heart. Amen.