Surrender

So, for those of you who are familiar with the Baptist (or any variation thereof) tradition, you will know that the song "I Surrender All" serves mainly one purpose. Someone southern evangelist proclaims that you're a sinner and that you need to repent and you agree and come "down front" all the while listening to an ancient organist play "I Surrender All" on a Yamaha synth. It is an emotional experience that is supposed to change your life.

Now, I'm not saying that it does not. In fact, I am certain that God uses our emotions to get our attention, but emotions don't last long. Unfortunately, the memory of "I Surrender All" on a Yamaha synth might and it might taint what would otherwise be a very challenging song.

The song has been stuck in my head this morning and I have found it to be rather applicable to life even though I have since passed through the trials of the synth. I had always figured that the "surrender" was just that initial choice to become a Christian; it is not. In fact, as the term "Christian" really means to be a Christ follower (not a member of a radical religious sect), inherently, that moment with the synth is just the beginning of the surrender. It is a life long process.

The fact that I have just realized this is a little daunting, but knowing is half the battle, right?