In the present-day terminology, considering ‘surrender’ in terms of defeat gives it the connotation of failure. For, if one takes into consideration only the existing human conditions, the word surrender could be viewed as a sign of weakness, defeat, or cowardice rather than of profound wisdom, strength, and ultimate love. While surrender is often associated with losing a battle or “giving up,” true surrender is understood as an inner act of letting go of resistance to “what is” shameful, cowardly, and a loss of identity. It brings up feelings of resentment, anger, and fear. Some people still believe that surrender is the mark of a weak person; it is looked on as inaction or a kind of submissiveness. In the Gospels we very often find Jesus extolling surrender, humility, meekness etc. Once he said: “I am meek and humble of Heart; learn from me.” In another context he said: “Whoever wishes to become great shall become small.” Jesus always spoke of forgiveness, pardoning, loving the enemy. He surrendered himself in many ways. His incarnation was leaving all the glories, emptying himself, He became a human being. In His earthly life He did only what was willed by God and his final surrender was giving away his life heinously on the cross in Calvary, a total failure and an act of desperation when humanly viewed.
However, there are various ways to look at surrender. Spiritually and psychologically, surrender is viewed as the “bravest state one can exist in”. Psychologically one needs mental courage and strength in order to endure and withstand the temptations of one’s ego. Wilfulness to surrender oneself to the will of others or being under the control of someone is not easy. This is why obedience becomes a heroic virtue. The core of obedience is surrender. Surrender in its Spiritual dimension is not passive resignation, but an active, courageous choice to stop resisting the present moment. Why the present moment should not be resisted? It is simply because one finds trust and confidence in a higher power. If one is able to insert oneself under the safe cover of the most powerful, the ultimate wisdom, the perfection of everything; then the earthly suffering and surrendering oneself for a good cause become easy and heroic.
In such a situation surrendering helps to reduce stress and anxiety by freeing oneself from all kinds of mental shackles which resist one to come out of the self. A person who surrenders himself slowly gets out of every kind of ego’s demand and gets the power to manage every outcome. Thus, surrendering becomes a means of peace and tranquillity. In such a mood of peace of mind one can become openhearted, sincere, dedicated, and offer oneself for others. In this way a person’s attitude becomes liberating and very beautiful.
When there is an attitude of surrender to the will of God, it is inspired by God-given wisdom. This wisdom is the wisdom of going along with the progression of life than opposing it. It means accepting the reality of a situation, rather than wasting energy struggling against it. Resistance to the situations and circumstances may sometimes damage or spoil the goodness resulting from it. Fear is the cause of resistance and love is the basis of acceptance. Love-driven acceptance has the promise of a bright future.
Surrender to the will of God is considered a profound success, not a failure. It is not weakness, but strength that leads to peace and trust. It keeps us away from all sorts of anxieties and helps us to live and dedicate our life for higher purposes. Surrendering one’s will is to be seen as being well-disposed to God’s plan. This ultimately achieves victory through submission. Jesus’ passion and death were an act of surrender to God’s will, and God rewarded him with the resurrection (life everlasting).
- By Joseph Chacko
