1/30/2026

Day 30: 

Living Surrendered

Colossians 3:1–17 (NLT)

As we conclude this month of exploring surrender, Paul’s words to the Colossians bring us out of the realm of inspiration and into the arena of daily obedience. This is not abstract theology or emotional devotion; this is lived Christianity. Colossians 3 shows us what surrender looks like when it puts on work clothes and walks into ordinary life.

Paul begins with a decisive statement of identity: “Since you have been raised to new life with Christ, set your sights on the realities of heaven… Think about the things of heaven, not the things of earth” (Colossians 3:1–2, NLT). Surrender always starts with perspective. What we seek determines how we live. When our minds are anchored to earthly security, comfort, recognition, or control, surrender feels threatening. But when our focus shifts to Christ and His kingdom, surrender becomes logical. We stop asking how to protect our lives and begin asking how to invest them.

Then Paul grounds surrender in death: “For you died to this life, and your real life is hidden with Christ in God” (Colossians 3:3, NLT). This is the unyielding truth beneath surrendered living—we no longer belong to ourselves. Our old self was crucified with Christ (Romans 6:6). Our lives are no longer self-defined, self-directed, or self-protected. They are hidden in Christ, secure not because we control them, but because He does. Surrender is not loss of identity; it is the discovery of our true one.

From theology, Paul moves to confrontation: “So put to death the sinful, earthly things lurking within you” (Colossians 3:5, NLT). Surrender is not passive. It is not waiting for holiness to happen; it is actively killing what contradicts Christ. Sexual immorality, impurity, evil desires, and greed are exposed as idolatry—attempts to find life apart from God. Jesus said the same with different words: “If you cling to your life, you will lose it; but if you give up your life for me, you will find it” (Matthew 10:39, NLT).

Paul presses further: “You must also get rid of anger, rage, malicious behavior, slander, and dirty language” (Colossians 3:8, NLT). Surrender reaches beyond obvious sins into internal attitudes. We cannot claim to have surrendered our lives while protecting our right to resentment, pride, or harsh speech. To follow Christ is to lay down not only sinful actions, but sinful reactions.

Yet surrender is not only about what we put off—it is about what we put on. “Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience” (Colossians 3:12, NLT). These are not personality traits; they are resurrection fruit. They grow where the self has been dethroned and Christ has been enthroned. Above all, Paul says, “clothe yourselves with love, which binds us all together in perfect harmony” (Colossians 3:14, NLT). Love is surrender made visible. Love gives up the right to self-preservation for the sake of obedience.

Paul concludes with totality: “And whatever you do or say, do it as a representative of the Lord Jesus” (Colossians 3:17, NLT). This is comprehensive surrender—no sacred/secular divide, no compartmentalized faith. Every word, every choice, every hidden moment is lived under His name and for His glory. As Jesus said, “Why do you call me ‘Lord, Lord,’ and not do what I say?” (Luke 6:46, NLT).

Surrender is not a one-time altar moment; it is a daily posture. It is not grim obligation but grateful obedience. We give everything, and in return we receive Christ Himself. The surrendered life is not diminished—it is finally free.

True surrender is not agreeing with Christ in theory, but allowing His lordship to touch every thought, confront every habit, and claim every moment until nothing in me competes with Him.