Not Part, But All

I had just completed a blog post that was ready to publish when it was accidentally deleted.  Perhaps the Lord intended for me to share these thoughts instead—God knows.

The phrase “all or part” can encompass a wide range of ideas.  It can apply to something as simple as a portion of food or something as profound as a person’s spiritual walk with God.  With that in mind, let me ask you a question: Is your personality more like a glass half empty or a glass half full?

Let’s consider the question through the life of a man in Scripture named Thomas.  Many know him as “Doubting Thomas,” a title given because of his response after Jesus’ resurrection, recorded in John 20:24-31. 

I believe Thomas had what many would describe as a “glass half empty” personality.  I do not see that as a negative trait.  On the contrary, I believe he was analytical by nature—someone who carefully examined every possibility before making a decision.  I can relate to that.

I also believe Thomas was perceptive and unwilling to accept something without thoughtful consideration.  He refused to allow himself to be easily persuaded.  He had a mind of his own and was an independent thinker.  I find myself leaning in that direction as well.

I try not to vacillate in my thinking or be blown about like a leaf in the wind whenever controversy arises.  Instead, I endeavor to evaluate every situation carefully, considering all possibilities before reaching a conclusion.  Then, once a decision has been made, I strive to stand firmly upon it.

Like Thomas, when we become convinced that something is right—when it aligns with God’s Word and His purpose for our lives—we become all in.  We do not give God only part of ourselves; we give Him all of ourselves.

Remember this: no one needs to wish they had someone else’s personality.  God created each of us uniquely, and we are precious to Him just as we are.  We are exactly the person He intended us to be as He formed us in our mother’s womb.

With the guidance of the Holy Spirit, God will accomplish His purpose in each of us.  He works with every individual differently because each of us is wonderfully unique.  He knows how to shape us, refine us, and perfect His work within us.

The Lord invites each person to come to Him just as they are—not pretending to be someone else.  We are special in His sight.  He works in our lives according to the personalities He Himself created within us.  He knows exactly how He made us, and He uses those unique qualities for His glory.

All in all, God calls His children to discover the place where they can serve Him wholeheartedly—not with only part of themselves, but with all that they are.

Romans 12:1 challenges every believer, regardless of personality, to fully surrender to the Lord: “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.”

By His grace and through the power of the Holy Spirit, we can live that kind of surrendered life. 

Lord, I surrender—not part of me, but all of me—to You.

Written by,

Papa Boyd