"Not Too Proud"

Some too proud to say they’re wrong,

Grieve the Spirit for so long,

Rebellion is their favorite song,

But God says He’ll resist,

Until perhaps they see the light,

Turn from wrong and to what’s right,

Humble down and quit the fight,

So grace they will not miss.

And when they do the mercy flows,

So strongly that it always shows,

Starts a flame that grows and grows,

The devil can’t put out.

And then with grace when we submit,

Persevere and never quit,

And don’t look back a single whit,

We learn what love’s about.

The energizing strength and peace,

From every stronghold find release,

And make all our chaos cease,

The Spirit comes to live within,

Will live right through us starting when,

We leave behind all that has been,

Surrender and you’ll see.

“Now those who belong to Christ have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. If we live by the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.” (Galatians 5:24-25, NAS)

Being empowered by the Holy Spirit to live the Christian life depend upon our willingness to die to ourselves. What does this mean exactly? it means that we intentionally choose against our egotism and relinquish the right to control our lives. We surrender control, and die to our selfishness which is otherwise all consuming. We are led and energize then by the Spirit who gives us the strength to do God’s will. This does not necessarily happen overnight, but the Spirit is faithful to lead us into this life of discipleship. It’s a way of dying before it becomes a way of living.

Lord, help us surrender control to Your Spirit, in Jesus’ name.

Art by R.S. Riddick, used by permission. Thanks, R.S., and God bless you.