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     In this age of Postmodernism, absolute standards and the acceptance of authority are almost foreign to this generation.  That 83% of Americans claim to follow Jesus, but only 4% actually adhere to a biblical world view, reveals that even faith in Jesus is now a “designer” religion.  Each person designs his own faith being subject to his own whims — like the Israelites 3000 years ago, when “everyone did what was right in his own eyes” (Judges 21:25).  Although one might deceive himself, thinking he is glorifying Jesus by designer religion, the Bible paints a starkly different picture.
     To submit to another person is contrary to the stubborn human will.  We want to have our own way, rather than put ourselves under authority.  Submission means obedience to an authority and the stipulations established by that authority.  To glorify Jesus, one must surrender self and obey His will.
     Obedience means complying with a rule or law.  For example, the law states we must fasten the seat belt.  Why?  Because it is the law and it must be obeyed.  The law has a purpose – reduce injuries and save lives.  Once a taxi driver in Russia chastised me when I buckled up, stating it wasn’t necessary because the police weren’t around.  However, as we drove on, a police car neared and he buckled up immediately.
 This is obedience out of fear, but we can’t call such motivation as “submission”.  Oh, he submitted his actions for a moment, but not his will.  Submission is when one gives up his own will to the will of another, doing so “willingly” and completely, not by intimidation or to escape a penalty.
     The first step of submission to God is to give up self.  Jesus said “If any man would come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.” (Matthew 16:24).  Implicitly no one can design his own religion and follow Jesus.
     Just what is it to deny self?  Paul acknowledged that submission is “... to present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service.  And be not fashioned according to this world: but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, and you may prove what is the good and acceptable and perfect will of God.” (Romans 12:1-2).  Both the body and mind are involved in denying self and submitting to God.  The center of this entire resolution process is called repentance.
     Glorifying Jesus is not motivated by force or intimidation, but a voluntary decision.  The Apostle Paul wrote “Don't you know that when you offer yourselves to someone to obey him as slaves, you are slaves to the one whom you obey – whether you are slaves to sin, which leads to death, or to obedience, which leads to righteousness?” (Romans 6:16).  Citizens of Jesus’ kingdom submit their will to Him, giving up self and becoming voluntary slaves of righteousness.
     What is this righteousness?  King David wrote “Your (God’s) testimonies, which you have commanded, are righteous and very faithful.” (Psalm 119:138).  So, obviously, righteousness is following the commands of God.  And Jesus said, “If you love me keep my commandments” (John 14:15).  To glorify Jesus we must obey Him by His will, not ours.  Further, glorifying Jesus is not by mere thoughtless ritual but from the depths of our spirit, as Paul wrote “...like slaves of Christ, doing the will of God from your heart.” (Ephesians 6:6).  In view of this, we must ask, “What is the benefit of denying self to glorify Jesus?”

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