Continuous Conversion: A Journey of Daily Surrender
A battle of wills
*(Inspired by Oswald Chambers’ My Utmost for His Highest)
"Unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven" (Matthew 18:3).
Oswald Chambers challenges us with a profound truth: conversion is not merely a one-time event but a continuous process of turning to God as children, day by day, situation by situation. While our initial salvation marks a glorious beginning, the journey of walking with Christ involves ongoing surrender, transformation, and renewal.
The Nature of Continuous Conversion
When Jesus speaks of becoming like little children, He highlights humility, dependence, and trust—qualities often overshadowed by our pride and self-sufficiency. Chambers echoes this call to constant conversion, urging us to bring every part of our lives into submission to God’s Spirit.
This doesn’t mean we lose our salvation or repeatedly "start over" in our relationship with God. Rather, it’s about aligning our natural impulses with the Spirit’s leading in every new circumstance. Each day, we face choices:
Will we respond with our natural inclinations or with Spirit-led obedience?
Will we trust in our own understanding or lean fully on God?
The Obstacle of Willfulness
Chambers identifies a common barrier to this continuous conversion: our obstinate will. He describes areas of our lives where pride rears its head, spitting at God’s throne and defiantly saying, “I won’t.” These pockets of resistance, which we might mistakenly call “strength,” are actually weaknesses that hinder spiritual growth.
It’s not enough to have surrendered to God once. As Chambers reminds us, just because we’ve obeyed Him before doesn’t guarantee we will again. Continuous conversion requires us to surrender daily, moment by moment, allowing the Spirit to transform us from within.
A Practical Picture
Imagine a river with large, stubborn rocks blocking its flow. The water is the Spirit of God, eager to move freely through our lives. The rocks represent areas of willfulness, pride, or independence that resist His work. Continuous conversion is like the process of removing those rocks—sometimes quickly, often slowly—so the river can flow unhindered.
For example, consider a moment of conflict in a relationship. Your natural impulse might be to respond defensively or hold a grudge. Continuous conversion invites you to pause, acknowledge the Spirit’s prompting, and choose forgiveness and humility instead. It’s not easy, but it’s how we claim more territory of our lives for God.
God's Unchanging Spirit, Our Ongoing Transformation
Chambers beautifully reminds us that while our circumstances change, God’s Spirit remains constant. The same Spirit who saved us is the one who empowers us to "put on the new self" (Ephesians 4:24) every day.
This daily act of putting on the new self isn’t just an external adjustment; it’s an internal transformation. It’s letting go of independence and embracing the childlike trust that says, “Lord, I need You in this moment. Have Your way in me.”
Steps Toward Continuous Conversion
Recognize Resistance
Take time to reflect on areas where pride or independence may be holding you back. Are there aspects of your life where you’ve said, “I won’t” to God?Surrender Daily
Begin each day by surrendering anew to God’s will. Ask Him to reveal areas that need transformation and invite His Spirit to lead you.Stay Humble
Approach God with the humility of a child, trusting Him completely. Remember that His ways are higher than yours (Isaiah 55:9).Embrace Change
Don’t resist the new circumstances God places you in. See them as opportunities for growth and transformation, even when they challenge your comfort zones.Walk by the Spirit
Depend on the Holy Spirit for strength and guidance. As Galatians 5:25 encourages us: “If we live by the Spirit, let us also keep in step with the Spirit.”
Encouragement for the Journey
Continuous conversion isn’t about perfection; it’s about progress. It’s the lifelong journey of letting God shape us into the image of Christ, one moment of surrender at a time.
As Chambers points out, “Slowly but surely, we can claim the whole territory for the Spirit of God.” Let’s not grow weary in this process. Instead, let’s trust that God is faithful to complete the good work He began in us (Philippians 1:6).
Scripture for Reflection:
“Put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness” (Ephesians 4:24).
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding” (Proverbs 3:5).
“Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh” (Galatians 5:16).
Prayer:
Father, thank You for the call to continuous conversion. I confess the areas of my life where pride and willfulness resist Your Spirit. May I surrender daily, moment by moment, and trust You like a child. Transform my natural impulses into Spirit-led obedience, and let my life reflect Your grace and glory. Thank You for Your patience and faithfulness as You shape me into the image of Christ. Amen.