“Surrender . . . a Copernican revolution of the soul in which I take myself out of the center of the universe and place God there.”- John Ortberg
“Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me.”- Matthew 16:24 (NIV)
In Chapter 5 (“Surrender” The One Decision That Always Helps”) of The Me I Want to Be, John Ortberg weighs in on the beginning of wisdom. Consequently, he emphasizes: There is a God. It is not you. Thus, through the power of the Holy Spirit, we surrender ourselves to God.
As a result, even when we’re unsure what to do , we’re able to place our life in God’s hands. In addition, John Calvin (Institutes of the Christian Religion) described this haven of safety. He wrote that haven is:
“to have no other will, no other wisdom, than to follow the Lord wherever He leads. Let this, then, be the first step, to abandon ourselves, and devote the whole energy of our minds to the service of God.”
However, Pastor Ortberg notes, in order to do this we must face our greatest fear. Plainly stated, can we get comfortable in the passenger seat and let Jesus get behind the wheel? Or, as John quips, “Have I invited Jesus along for the ride or is he driving?”
Most importantly, John stresses, surrender is not:
- the same thing as passivity
- impersonating a doormat
- a crutch for weak people unable to handle life
In conclusion, Pastor Ortberg reminds us:
“Jesus does not come to rearrange the outside of our life the way we want it. He comes to rearrange the inside of our life the way God wants it.”
Today’s question: What Bible verses facilitated your Copernican revolution of the soul? Please share.
Tomorrow’s blog: Surrender day by day, moment by moment”
