By: Elizabeth Louis
The Hardest Truth in Christianity
“If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself, take up his cross, and follow me.” – Luke 9:23
Many call themselves Christians, but few are truly surrendered.
The uncomfortable reality is that many don’t follow Jesus as Lord—they follow Him as a means to an end: a better life, more success, or inner peace.
But Jesus never said, “Follow me, and I’ll make your life easier.” He said, “Follow me, and you will suffer, be rejected, and even die for my name’s sake.” – Matthew 10:38-39
Most Christians don’t reject Jesus outright—they reject the cost of following Him.
Many want the comfort of Christianity without the commitment to Christ.
They don’t realize they’re spiritual consumers—using Jesus for personal gain rather than living fully surrendered.
But Jesus didn’t call us to find our best life now—He called us to die to self and live for Him.
So let’s get real today. Are you truly surrendered to Christ, or are you just using Him for your own desires?
Today, we’re going deep: What does true surrender look like? How do you know if you’re still clinging to control? And how do you fully submit your life to Jesus?
Below, we will break down 5 signs of false discipleship and what true surrender looks like instead.
Step 1: Recognizing the False Discipleship Trap
Many think they’re following Jesus when they’re really following Him for self.
Key Signs You’re Not Fully Surrendered:
1️⃣ You follow Jesus for what He can do for you, not for who He is.
2️⃣ Your obedience is conditional—”I’ll obey IF I get what I want.”
3️⃣ You think purpose, peace, or prosperity means you’re in God’s will.
4️⃣ You measure your faith by personal success, not by faithfulness.
5️⃣ You say “Jesus is Lord,” but you still act like YOU are in control.
📖 “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven.” – Matthew 7:21
True surrender isn’t about adding Jesus to your life—it’s about giving Him full ownership of it.
Step 2: Repenting from a Self-Centered Faith
📖 “Whoever loves his life will lose it, but whoever hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life.” – John 12:25
If your faith has been more about your plans, your success, or your fulfillment, you need to repent.
🔹 Repentance means to turn—to change your mind, direction, and allegiance. a change of mind and heart” that leads to a change in behavior: In this situation it would look like:
- Confessing that you’ve been using Jesus instead of truly following Him.
- Letting go of your need for control, certainty, and success.
- Laying down your agenda, dreams, and even good desires.
- Committing to obey Him—whether it benefits you or not.
📖 “Lord, not my will, but Yours be done.” – Luke 22:42
Ask Yourself:
- If God took everything away, would I still trust Him?
- If following Jesus means suffering, will I stay faithful?
- Am I willing to follow even when it costs me something?
Step 3: Replacing Self-Reliance with Total Trust in God
Surrender = letting go of YOUR way to embrace GOD’s way.
🔥 Here’s what FULL surrender looks like:
✅ You obey without understanding. (Abraham left everything on a promise – Gen. 12:1-4)
✅ You trust without conditions. (Job lost everything and still worshiped – Job 1:21)
✅ You follow even when it costs you everything. (The rich young ruler walked away – Mark 10:21-22)
What’s in your hands that God is asking you to release?
Success? Comfort? Your timeline? Approval from others? Your understanding?
📖 “Unless a grain of wheat falls into the ground and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it bears much fruit.” – John 12:24
God can’t use what you won’t surrender.
Step 4: Remaining in Daily Surrender
📖 “Abide in me, and I in you.” – John 15:4
Surrender is NOT a one-time decision.
It’s a daily, moment-by-moment practice of laying down your will for God’s.
💡 How to Stay in a Lifestyle of Surrender:
1️⃣ Die to self daily – Every morning, tell God: “I give You full control today.”
2️⃣ Let go of your need to know – Stop demanding answers before you obey.
3️⃣ Detach from outcomes – Your job is faithfulness; God’s job is results.
4️⃣ Embrace suffering – Hardship doesn’t mean you’re outside God’s will.
5️⃣ Spend time with Jesus, not just working for Him – Your intimacy with Him sustains your surrender.
📖 “Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” – Matthew 11:29
Final Challenge: Are You Willing to Surrender EVERYTHING?
God is calling a remnant of true disciples to walk in radical obedience.
Not comfort.
Not convenience.
Not success.
🚨 Are you willing to follow Jesus at any cost?
- If it means letting go of the dream you’ve been holding onto?
- If it means losing friends, money, or opportunities?
- If it means suffering for righteousness?’
- If it means humiliating yourself for the name of Christ?
True surrender isn’t about adding Jesus to your life.
It’s about dying to self so that Christ can live through you.
📖 “I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me.” – Galatians 2:20
🙏 Pray this:
“Jesus, I surrender my will, my plans, and my desires to You. Not my will, but Yours be done. Lead me, and I will follow, no matter what it costs.”
Many want to use Jesus for a better life. Few are willing to lose their life for Him. Which one are you?
You weren’t called to hustle for worth—you were called to die to self and walk in divine authority.
But you can’t lead boldly until you think rightly.
⚔️ The Champion in Christ Mindset Devotional is a 15-day journey to help you renew your mind, surrender your will, and reclaim your identity in Christ—not culture, performance, or success.
