John 10:10 provides a profound insight into the nature of our adversary and our true ally. The verse states, "The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life and have it more abundantly." Here, the "thief" is Satan, the enemy force that seeks to bring harm and despair into our lives. Jesus, who promises life represents our ultimate ally, offering us hope, purpose, and fulfillment. This verse encapsulates the stark difference between those who wish to harm us (enemy) and the one who seeks to nurture and uplift us (ally).
Because there is no partiality with God (Romans 2:11), His infinite love extends equally to all of humanity, embracing both believers and non-believers alike. He desires the very best for us and encourages us to use our free will to choose to enter His kingdom. He is neither our enemy, opponent, nor our adversary.
If God is not our enemy, then who is our enemy? This question holds the power to profoundly awaken us to the true nature of our adversary. It invites us to reflect deeply on the force we battle against, urging us to recognize that when we use the term "surrender," we are essentially giving in to an adversary or enemy who seeks to undermine and destroy our lives.
Our free will grants us the ability to make our own choices, ensuring that we are never compelled to follow a supernatural force against our will. This autonomy raises an intriguing question: How can we truly surrender to an entity that lacks the power to enforce obedience upon us?
Many Christian songs prominently feature the word "surrender" in their lyrics. This word is also frequently exploited in numerous "Christian" podcasts and teaching venues, where speakers mistakenly delve into the spiritual significance of surrendering to God. Wouldn't it be more beneficial for us to consider words of Biblical truth such as submit, yield, commit, or obey rather than surrender?