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Previous Challenge Entry (Level 1 – Beginner)
Topic: I SURRENDER ALL (to God) (don’t write about the song) (05/07/15)
It is foolish for anyone to think that our humanity will bring ultimate success and fulfillment in life. Chuck Colson was one such man who discovered this truth the hard way. He was a Special Counsel to President Nixon, better known as Mr. Nixon’s “hatchet man.” If something of great power and influence was needed, Mr. Colson got it done.

But the mighty “hatchet man” fell because of the scandal known as Watergate. Mr. Colson was convicted of crimes worthy of imprisonment, but in 1973, Mr. Colson saw that his human might ended in failure. As a result of this “crash,” he accepted Christ and his life took on an entirely new and different twist.

After serving his prison sentence, Chuck Colson founded Prison Fellowship, one of the most successful prison ministries of all time. He also published over 30 books that addressed every issue of mankind from a Christian viewpoint.

I always admired Mr. Colson’s intellectual presentation and teaching of the kingdom of God. His scholarly writings and editorials communicated the Christian faith as the remedy for the failures of this fallen world.

Most of us probably haven’t experienced a total transformation in such a dramatic way as Mr. Colson. But in all my studying and listening to testimonies I am convinced of one thing. It is necessary to forsake one’s mortal identity and to allow the Holy Spirit to form a new one, patterned after that of Jesus Christ.

This process of building a new identity in Jesus Christ doesn’t happen overnight. Binny Hinn is quoted as saying, “I die daily.” I doubt if any person ever lived that hasn’t said that at one time or another. The flesh is quite strong. I don’t know if Mr. Colson ever made such a confession but he did persist in ministry for many years until his death at 80.

Humanly speaking life in the kingdom of God can be confounding. One thinks he or she has arrived at perfection but the Holy Spirit illuminates another fault that one has to fork over.

Every believer has to determine for him or herself if constant surrendering of their humanity is worth it. Jesus promised that one result would be persecution from those that fail to understand the kingdom of God. I know a man who was a missionary in Mexico. His wife and no one in his family approved of his life’s work. Yet he found so much joy in his divine mission that he established many churches. He continued his work until his body lost its vitality. He died a completed man.

So, is it worth it all? Is it worth it to allow one’s humanity to be dismantled and transformed into newness of life?

It is worth it all to set aside the life-killing attitudes that Paul speaks of in Galatians 5:19-21: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like?

Yes, it is well worth it all to allow the Holy Spirit to create in you a new life that Paul describes in verses 22-25: But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.

Every believer has to see that life in the kingdom of God is worth it all. What is the cost? Everything of a fleshly nature that one possesses. While we are definitely under God’s grace, we still have to pay the price to gain the crown. It is safe and worth it all because the Creator of all things and the brightener of hearts knows what He is doing.
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Member Comments
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Date
Allison Egley 
05/18/15
Oh, I like this.

I would have maybe focused a bit more on Chuck Colson's story. Perhaps share a quote of his or two. Also, it would be good to include a link to your source for your information on Chuck Colson. Even if it's "common knowledge" to you, it's not to everyone, so it's best to cite sources on non-fiction pieces like this.

This was fascinating! If I'd heard about Chuck Colson's background, I had certainly forgotten. I learned something new today!
Joanne Sher 
05/19/15
Great use of Colson as an example/model of your point. Nicely done.