Living a Surrendered Life: The Key to Keeping God’s Commandments

Have you ever found yourself asking, “What can I do to keep God’s commandments?” It’s a question many of us wrestle with, especially when we feel the weight of our own shortcomings. The truth is, keeping God’s commandments isn’t about striving harder or relying on your own strength. It’s about surrender—a complete and total surrender to Him.

Jesus said, “If you love me, keep my commandments” (John 14:15). At first glance, this might feel like a daunting task. How can we, as imperfect beings, live up to such a high standard? The answer lies not in what we can do, but in what He can do through us. When we surrender our lives to Christ, something extraordinary happens. The Holy Spirit steps in, transforming our hearts and minds, and empowering us to live a life that honors God.

What Does It Mean to Surrender?

Surrender isn’t about giving up; it’s about giving over. It’s about letting go of control and trusting God to lead you. Romans 12:1 urges us, “Present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship.” When you surrender, you invite the Holy Spirit to work in your life. He begins to change your desires, helping you to dislike the things that once pulled you away from God. As Psalm 37:4 reminds us, “Delight yourself in the Lord, and He will give you the desires of your heart.” Suddenly, the temptations that once seemed irresistible lose their grip. You find yourself walking in freedom, not because of your own willpower, but because of His grace.

How Does the Holy Spirit Help Us?

The Holy Spirit is our guide, our teacher, and our source of strength. Jesus promised in John 14:26, “But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, He will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you.” When you surrender to God, the Spirit begins to instruct you in righteousness. He convicts you of sin, leads you into truth, and gives you the power to overcome negative vices. Galatians 5:16 assures us, “Walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.” It’s not about perfection; it’s about progress. Day by day, step by step, the Spirit helps you align your life with God’s will.

Common Questions Answered

Can I really change?
Yes, you can. But real change doesn’t come from your own efforts—it comes from surrendering to God and allowing the Holy Spirit to transform you. As 2 Corinthians 5:17 declares, “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.”
What if I keep failing?
Failure is part of the journey. God’s grace is sufficient, and His mercies are new every morning. Lamentations 3:22-23 reminds us, “The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; His mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness.” When you fall, get back up, repent, and keep moving forward.
How do I know if I’m truly surrendered?
Surrender is a daily decision. It’s reflected in your willingness to obey God, even when it’s hard, and in your reliance on the Holy Spirit rather than your own strength. Jesus said in Luke 9:23, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.”

Shall we continue in sin that grace may abound?

Although God’s grace is abundantly available to forgive you when you fall short, it is not a license to continue in sin. Romans 6:1-2 asks the poignant question, “What shall we say then? Are we to continue in sin that grace may abound? By no means! How can we who died to sin still live in it?” This powerful passage reminds us that grace is not an excuse to remain in disobedience but an invitation to live in freedom from sin.

When you fail, God’s mercy is there to pick you up. Lamentations 3:22-23 assures us, “The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; His mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness.” However, genuine repentance is key. Repentance means turning away from sin and turning toward God with a sincere heart. As Acts 3:19 says, “Repent therefore, and turn back, that your sins may be blotted out.”

God expects us to commit to change and not remain stuck in cycles of repeated sin. This doesn’t mean you’ll never stumble, but it does mean you actively rely on the Holy Spirit to transform you from the inside out. Philippians 2:13 reminds us, “For it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for His good pleasure.” The Holy Spirit empowers you to overcome sin and live a life that honors God.

If you find yourself struggling with the same sin repeatedly, don’t lose hope. Instead, surrender that area of your life to God and ask Him to renew your mind and heart. Romans 12:2 encourages us, “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.”

God’s grace is sufficient, but it is also transformative. Let it move you toward genuine change, not complacency. As you repent and allow the Holy Spirit to work in you, you’ll find the strength to break free from sin and walk in the freedom Christ has secured for you.

A Life Transformed by Surrender

When you surrender to God, you experience a life that is truly transformed. The things that once held you captive lose their power. You begin to walk in freedom, joy, and peace. Romans 6:14 assures us, “For sin will have no dominion over you, since you are not under law but under grace.” Most importantly, you grow in your love for God and your desire to obey Him.

If you’ve been trying to keep God’s commandments in your own strength, it’s time to let go. Surrender your life to Him today. Invite the Holy Spirit to take control and watch as He transforms your heart, your mind, and your actions.

For those already walking this path, be encouraged. Surrender is a daily journey, and God is faithful to complete the work He has started in you. Philippians 1:6 reminds us, “And I am sure of this, that He who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.” Keep pressing in, keep trusting, and keep obeying.

Take a moment right now to pray. Ask God to help you surrender fully to Him. Invite the Holy Spirit to fill you, guide you, and empower you to live a life that honors Him. This is the first step toward a life of true freedom and fulfillment in Christ.

You don’t have to do this alone. God is with you, and He is for you. Surrender to Him today, and experience the transformative power of His love and grace.