For Freedom Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not be subjected again to the yoke of slavery. – Galatians 5:1
It seems ironic to say that surrendering is an act of freedom, but when one stops to think about it, it makes sense. You do not have to surrender. Surrender is a choice. You can choose to fight or you can choose to lay down your arms. If you choose to fight, however, you cannot stop until you win. Choosing to lay down arms, the only thing stopping you from picking up your arms again is either fear or love. We know that by becoming a Christian, we have become free from the chains that bind us to this world because Christ, out of love, has given us the authority to conquer Satan and all the evils of this world. However, the apostle warns us to not abuse our new found freedom “ What then? Shall we sin because we are not under the law but under grace? By no means!” (Romans 15:1 NIV). So, then, what are we supposed to do instead? Simple: follow God and obey God because we know that God’s “yoke is easy and [His] burden is light.” (Matthew 11:30 NIV). But, why would we do this if we know that we are completely free from all slavery? Simple, because by every action we choose, we are choosing to either serve our own selfish desire or to lay down our own desire and to choose to serve God. What greater act of freedom is there than to willing choose to not act on ones own freedom, but to give it up in order to honor and serve and love somebody else? God says in John 14:15, “If you love me, you will obey my commandments.” We have no obligation to obey; our salvation is not linked to how well we obey the commandments. It is simply out of an act of love that we obey, that we surrender our freedom to love more fully. Why wouldn’t we? He’s the creator God of the universe who wills everything into existence. Why wouldn’t we surrender our lives to the omniscient one who will guide our every step according to his plan. His plan is greater than ours. Moreover, what greater act of freedom is there than to willing choose to limit your own freedom to listen to somebody else. That is the ultimate challenge of humility that God gives us. Surrender our own freedom, our own ability to do what we want in order to align ourselves with Him. When we do this, the power of the world will grow dim as we focus on the one that has conquered the world.
But now, freed from sin and enslaved to God, you have your benefit leading to sanctification, and the end is eternal life. — Romans 6:22