The Heart of Mary

Submission to the Lord

“I am the Lord’s servant…  May it be to me as you have said.” (Luke 1:38)

The first desire in the child of God who wants to enjoy the favor of God in his life is to die to self and surrender to the will of God in his life.  The key word here “servant” or ”bondslave” (doule) meaning Mary belonged totally to the Lord and gave Him full permission to work His will in and through her life.  This heart attitude enabled Mary to worship the Lord in soul and spirit.  Mary said, “My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior.” (Luke 1:46-47) Her submissiveness enabled her to get direction and gain understanding from the Lord.

Christians can choose to have understanding of God’s will for them as Mary did.  Romans 12:1-2 says, “Offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God--this is your spiritual act of worship.  Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is--His good, pleasing and perfect will.”

The Apostle Paul tells us that Jesus was in the form of God, He emptied Himself, taking the form of a servant. (Philippians 2:7)

Christians who get the most out of what the first Christmas opened up for the children of God grasp the truth of servant- hood.  Servant-hood frequently appears in the Gospels, especially in the parables. (Matthew 18:23-35; 21:33-44)  For Jesus, the concept of servant-hood is the way of expressing a right relationship with God. Jesus says no one can serve two masters, (Matthew 6:24) nor is anyone above the plan Christ has for those who follow Him. (Matthew 10:24)  A faithful servant of Christ does as the will of Christ directs him. (Matthew 24:45-46)

Christians who have the faith of Mary have changed their allegiance. Rather than serving the flesh and the world, as before, they are becoming bond-slaves to God and Christ.  There is no greater gift of love that Christians can express to the Lord than to become a bond-slave to the Lord and His will.

Live in submission to Christ!