The right to be right - give it up to Christ.

Surrendering one's life to Christ means acknowledging His lordship and submitting to His will. This surrender indeed includes letting go of the need to be right, as it prioritizes humility, love, and understanding over proving oneself correct. Let's explore this concept further through relevant scriptures and real-life illustrations:

1. Philippians 2:3-4: "Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others." This scripture encourages believers to prioritize others and exhibit humility instead of an incessant desire to be right.

Real-life illustration: Imagine a scenario where two Christians have differing interpretations of certain biblical passages. Instead of engaging in heated debates to prove themselves right, they can approach the situation with humility, seeking to understand each other's perspectives and valuing the unity and love in Christ above their disagreements.

2. Romans 12:16: "Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited." This verse emphasizes the importance of unity and discourages the need for personal pride.

Real-life illustration: Consider a church community where members have different opinions on non-essential matters such as worship styles or secondary doctrines. Rather than engaging in arguments to prove their opinions, they can humbly seek common ground, accepting the diversity within the body of Christ, and focusing on the primary message of sharing God's love.

3. Matthew 5:9: "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God." This scripture highlights the importance of pursuing peace and reconciliation over proving oneself right.

Real-life illustration: Imagine a scenario where disagreements arise within a Christian family or community. Instead of exerting effort to prove individual opinions, they can seek peaceful resolutions, prioritize love, and maintain healthy relationships, knowing that unity glorifies God.

4. 1 Corinthians 13:4-7: "Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres." This passage speaks to the selfless nature of love, which includes letting go of the constant need to be right.

Real-life illustration: In relationships, choosing love over personal pride and the need to be right can facilitate forgiveness, understanding, and growth. Instead of insisting on one's correctness, one can prioritize harmony and consider the needs and perspectives of others.

In conclusion, surrendering one's life to Christ means letting go of the need to be right and embracing humility, love, unity, and understanding. Scripture and real-life illustrations emphasize the importance of prioritizing these qualities, promoting peace, harmony, and the manifestation of God's love within the world.