The "obedient" Christian focuses on an act of his will. He believes that all he really needs to do is believe certain things about God and then get on with doing what God asks of him. He's convinced that it's achievable when he really puts his mind to it. This, of course, leaves the kingdom of self intact. He remains in control.

The "surrendered" Christian, on the other hand, lives out his obedience as a state of the heart. He's doing the right things, but he's doing it with the right heart. He's obeying God because he's surrendered to God. He trusts God! He loves God! And out of recipricol love he's "obedient from the heart" (Romans 6:17).

This is the obedience God is looking for. If He simply wanted compliance He could have created a race of automatons. But He wants communion with someone who chooses to be intimate, and madly in love with Him.

Surrender is a selfless act. It's giving myself up. It's voluntarily giving up my will. And, quite frankly, only love could ever induce me to do that. Jesus is the key to this. He never commands us to surrender, but simply invites us to make that move. He woos us. He draws us. He showers us with unending kindness and tenderness. And He does this, not because He wants our obedience, but because He wants our hearts. He knows from personal experience that a total surrender of the heart to God will yield the fruit of obedience.

Surrender is a readiness to trust His love. It is relaxing and letting go. It is learning to float in the river of God's love.