Thought for the day

Being truly submitted to God is a deep and personal process, and it can look different for each person. However, there are a few key signs in our life that can help discern whether we are truly submitted to God:
1. Obedience to His Word:
A heart that is submitted to God desires to obey His commandments and live according to His will, as revealed in Scripture. This doesn’t mean being perfect, but rather a willingness to follow God’s direction, even when it’s challenging. Jesus said, “If you love me, keep my commandments” (John 14:15).
2. Humility and Surrender:
Submission to God often involves humility and us recognizing that we are not in control and yielding to His greater wisdom and authority. It means trusting Him with our lives and submitting our plans to His will (Proverbs 3:5-6). If we are truly submitted to God we should seek to put aside pride and desires in order to follow God’s lead, even in areas that may be hard.
3. Seeking His Will Above Our Own:
When we are submitted to God, His will becomes the most important thing to us. This involves us asking Him daily for guidance, praying for His will to be done in our life, and making decisions that honour Him. It also involves listening to the Holy Spirit, who can guide us in aligning our desires with God’s desires.
4. Fruit of the Spirit:
Submission to God is evident in the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23) growing in our life. When we are submitted to God, the Holy Spirit works in us to produce love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. These qualities become more evident as we align our hearts with God’s will.
5. A Heart of Worship:
True submission to God leads to a life of worship. This isn’t just about singing or attending church services, but about living a life that honours Him in everything we do. Romans 12:1 encourages believers to present their bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God, which is a form of spiritual worship.
6. Peace in His Presence:
When we are truly submitted to God, there’s a sense of peace that comes from knowing we are walking in His will. Philippians 4:7 says, “And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Though challenges may come, we’ll experience His peace that reassures us.
7. Repentance and Confession:
Being submitted to God doesn’t mean we are without sin, but it means we have a heart that is willing to repent and turn back to Him when we fall. Confession and repentance are signs of a heart that desires to stay in relationship with God and to grow in holiness (1 John 1:9).

Ultimately, submission to God is a lifelong journey. It’s about continually growing in our relationship with Him, learning to trust His ways, and responding to His call. It’s a process, and God’s grace is sufficient when we fall short, but a heart of genuine submission always seeks to follow Him more closely.

Erick Bouwmeester
#lovebeyondchurch
#lovebeyondwordsministry
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