Serving by Surrendering

But woe unto you, Pharisees! for ye tithe mint and rue and all manner of herbs, and pass over judgment and the love of God: these ought ye to have done, and not to leave the other undone (Luke11:42).

Some of the Israelites, especially many of the Pharisees, attended the synagogue, tithed, and made animal sacrifices to take care of their sins. They prayed lengthy prayers and tried to follow the law. They thought they were good with God, but they didn't love, obey, surrender, or trust. They didn't give Him their whole hearts.

Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven (Matthew 7:21).

Many Christians today do much the same thing. They attend church, put money in the offering plate, and think they have done their duty. They consider themselves good with God and heaven-bound, but they have never truly given their hearts to Christ or surrendered to His lordship. Their lives do not stand as a strong testimony or an encouragement for others to join the Christian faith.

A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit! Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire (Matthew 7:18-19).

What kind of fruit are you bearing? Are most of your efforts for yourself and what you want to do or for the Lord and what He wants you to do? Do you love the Lord with all your heart, soul, and mind; and do you love others as yourself? May we truly grow in the Lord and become who He wants us to be. We serve best by surrendering.

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