What do baptisms, weddings, and funerals have in common? All three ceremonies commemorate life changes. Baptism symbolizes dedication to God. A wedding is a public declaration of commitment between a couple. A funeral memorializes the transition from this life to the next. All three rituals also represent a relinquishment of self and a commitment to someone/something else. Unfortunately, many of us just take on these new commitments without giving up much. Parents dedicate their children to God during infant baptism--but only symbolically. Those who are baptized as adults rarely relinquish their self-will. Married couples still retain their rights as individuals and often make their own choices. Even in death, we leave written wills that direct how our assets should be distributed after our demise.
“Do not let sin control the way you live...Instead, give yourselves completely to God, for you were dead, but now you have new life. (Romans 6:12-13 NLT)
Self-will (sin) is what separates us from God. The result is a gradual degeneration (death). Burying our self-will leads to growth and regeneration (new life).
Every commitment requires a renouncement. Just as we resign from an old job before we start a new job, we have to surrender our old life before we can start our new one. Abdication of our self-will is necessary before we can devote ourselves to God.
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