Every individual grapples with the tension between selfish impulses and the noble call to self-denial and surrender. A Christian's life embodies both self-surrender and self-development, where true human potential is realized only by relinquishing self-will for something greater, spiritual, and eternal. From the earliest times, humanity has been called to surrender, as seen in the perfect obedience expected of Adam and Eve to God, and in Abraham's willingness to abandon all at God's command, even his cherished hopes in Isaac. Moses, too, surrenders self at God's call, risking everything to deliver his people. Israel, as a nation, is set apart as a holy, surrendered people to God, with the Levitical system of sacrifice embodying complete surrender through offerings and consecration rituals. This spirit of surrender is evident in the faithful remnant of Judah enduring hardships for God's purposes, in Nehemiah forsaking his position to aid Jerusalem's exiles, and in Esther risking her life for her people. The early disciples surrender possessions for the common good, while Paul and others like Stephen give themselves joyfully, even to martyrdom, for God's use. Ultimately, self-surrender means dying with Christ, crucifying the old self so that a new self may live, no longer for personal gain but for Christ Who lives within. This living sacrifice demands daily death to self, extending to serving neighbors and submitting to authority for God's sake. Christ's teaching and example underscore that becoming His disciple requires complete surrender, loving God above family and even one's own life. Jesus Himself exemplifies this by submitting to His parents as a child, enduring privation, and doing the Father's will, even unto death, surrendering His spirit with His final breath. Through His work in us, we are enabled to respond to His call, finding that the reward for such surrender—eternal life and joy in God's Kingdom—is well worth the cost.

Brethren, there are times when we must sacrifice our feelings about ourselves to bring about change, facing the challenge of surrendering to God's will. Truth sets us free, yet at first, it may seem to enslave us, creating a struggle for human nature to overcome. Jesus' instruction emphasizes that continuing, remaining, and living in His Word makes one a true disciple, confirming freedom. If we do not abide in the truth, it will not be confirmed in us; it must be lived. Jesus teaches in Matthew 18 that unless we turn and become as a little child, we will not even be in the Kingdom of God. This foundational principle of change and growth involves humility and more, serving as the antidote to competitive drives and sinful yearnings for greatness. Becoming childlike is a choice we can make, reflecting an attractive mixture of humility, simplicity, innocence, purity, openness, sincerity, truthfulness, and vulnerability—qualities that describe the nature of God's Kingdom. These traits stand in opposition to human nature's adversarial tendencies, revealing the profound strength in what the world sees as weakness. Redemption frees us from slavery to unrighteousness, allowing us to submit to God, though not without cost, as it introduces a war with our indwelling nature. We are now free to choose to love God intimately, placing emphasis on Him above all. This love drives us to turn and become childlike, sacrificing self-interest to please Him, just as two who love each other strive to make choices for the other's well-being. Jesus states plainly that we must choose to lose our life in submission to His way, sacrificing what we would naturally do if it contradicts God's principles. This involves loyalty, choosing whether Christ or the world will be our lord. If we choose Christ, it often means denying self-ego, self-glorification, and self-gratification, taking up the cross to please Him, even if others do not follow or mock us. We are called to not conform to this world, asking ourselves whether our actions honor and glorify God, dedicating our conduct to Him with the purpose of bringing praise to His name.