The Call to Full Surrender: Abandoning Ourselves to the Living God By: Major Frank Materu
Key Scripture: Proverbs 3:5-6
"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight."
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Introduction: The Cost of Full Surrender
Many claim to love and serve God, yet their lives reveal a different reality. They are preoccupied with their own ambitions, desires, and self-centered goals. True surrender to God requires abandoning personal agendas and fully trusting in His divine will. However, many fear giving up control because they trust their own understanding more than they trust the leading of the Holy Spirit.
The life of a true disciple is modeled after Jesus Christ, who surrendered completely to the Father’s will. The path He walked is the same path we must follow. Those who keep their eyes on the world and seek its recognition will inevitably drift from God’s purpose. However, those who fully abandon themselves to God will experience His divine provision, guidance, and protection. This article explores the necessity of full surrender to God and the dangers of self-reliance and pride.
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The Inability of Self-Reliance to Bring True Security
Many people attempt to protect and provide for themselves, cutting themselves off from God’s abundance. They believe they can secure their own future through their intelligence, strength, and resources. However, Scripture warns against self-reliance.
"There is a way that appears to be right, but in the end it leads to death." (Proverbs 14:12)
When we rely on ourselves, we reject God’s wisdom. True provision comes from the Lord. He alone can sustain us. Those who trust in themselves instead of in God will eventually fall, for human strength is limited.
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The Danger of Religious Pretension and Pride
Many put on a religious show while refusing to yield to God. Their outward appearance may deceive others, but God sees their hearts.
"These people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me." (Matthew 15:8)
God calls His people to humility and obedience. Those who remain stubborn and proud will not experience His fullness. They may claim to serve God, but they secretly serve other masters, including self-esteem, self-realization, and self-centered love. These idols have led many away from God’s presence, causing spiritual downfall.
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The Consequences of Trusting in the Flesh
Self-confidence that is not rooted in God is dangerous. When people elevate themselves, they reject divine guidance and expose themselves to demonic influences.
"The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it?" (Jeremiah 17:9)
Those who trust in their own abilities instead of in God will ultimately face corruption and destruction. Pride blinds people, making them believe they are in control when, in reality, they are walking toward disaster.
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The Corrupting Influence of Pride and Delusion
Pride has led many into deception. In today’s world, moral corruption, lawlessness, and confusion are spreading like a plague. The spirit of pride leads people to justify sinful actions and reject correction.
"Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall." (Proverbs 16:18)
Prideful people believe they are above accountability. They assume power and authority while rejecting God’s moral standards. However, their downfall is inevitable. God resists the proud but gives grace to the humble.
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The Call to Separation and Consecration
God calls His people to be set apart from the corruption of the world. We are not meant to conform to its patterns but to remain steadfast in righteousness.
"Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind." (Romans 12:2)
Those who fully surrender to God will walk in the path of righteousness. They will not be swayed by worldly influences but will stand firm in their faith.
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The Privilege of Following the Holy Spirit
Yielding to the Holy Spirit is not a burden but a privilege. When we abandon ourselves fully to God, we experience His divine guidance and peace.
"For those who are led by the Spirit of God are the children of God." (Romans 8:14)
True surrender means trusting God even when we do not understand His plans. It requires letting go of our independent mindset and submitting to His will. In doing so, we join the company of the redeemed and rejoice in His presence.
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Summary
God calls His people to abandon themselves fully to Him. Self-reliance, pride, and worldly desires separate us from His abundance. Those who seek their own way will experience corruption and destruction, but those who trust in God will be guided by His Spirit. True discipleship requires complete surrender, humility, and obedience.
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Conclusion
The world is full of distractions and deceptions that lead people away from God. Pride, self-reliance, and worldly ambition blind many from experiencing the fullness of God’s love. However, those who surrender to Him will find true peace, security, and purpose. Let us reject the idols of self and fully embrace the guidance of the Holy Spirit.
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Call to Action
If you have not yet surrendered fully to God, now is the time. Trust Him with your life, let go of worldly ambitions, and seek His will above all else. True fulfillment comes only through complete obedience to Him.
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Final Word of Encouragement
Do not fear full surrender. God’s plans for you are greater than anything you can imagine. Trust Him completely, and He will lead you into His perfect will. You were created for a higher purpose, and in yielding to Him, you will walk in divine abundance and peace.
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Salvation Prayer
If you are ready to surrender your life to Christ, pray this prayer:
"Heavenly Father, I come before You in humility, recognizing my need for You. I repent of my sins and ask for Your forgiveness. I believe that Jesus Christ died for me and rose again to give me eternal life. Today, I surrender my life to You. Lead me, guide me, and help me to walk in Your ways. Fill me with Your Holy Spirit and teach me to trust in You completely. Thank You for Your love and salvation. In Jesus’ name, Amen."
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May God bless you as you commit to living a life fully surrendered to Him!
