Growing

John 14:15

We often talk about loving Jesus, and we absolutely should, but Jesus reminds us that genuine love for Him will show itself in the way we live. Sometimes we want to grow closer to God while still holding tightly to the things He is asking us to release. We want His peace, but we don’t want to let go of control. We want His freedom, but we don’t want to let go of the habits that keep us bound. And we want to become more like Christ, but we don’t always want to surrender our own way.

But we can’t fully grow while constantly choosing our own path. Letting go is part of growing. When we let go of our need to control every outcome. When we let go of the sins we’ve become comfortable with. And when we let go of bitterness, pride, fear, and selfishness, we make room for God to grow something new in us.

But obedience isn’t always easy. Sometimes God’s way will ask us to forgive when we’d rather hold onto the hurt. To remain silent when we’d rather have the last word. To trust when we want answers. And to say no to ourselves so we can say yes to Him. And every time  we give up our way and choose God’s, something happens inside of us. We grow.

Surrender isn’t a sign of weakness. It’s an act of love. And sometimes the very thing we’re afraid to release is the very thing keeping us from becoming who God is calling us to be. So if we truly love Jesus, let that love be more than words. Let it change our choices, shape our hearts, and lead us into obedience.