Our new friend, Bill Peel, the creative force behind 24 Seven Faith, wrote an interesting piece on the responsibility of everyone to do the hard work of redeeming – of changing our world around us.

We are easily fooled by the external.

The smart sports car with its oversized rims and low-slung appearance could actually be full of fast food wrappers and the smell of old onion rings. The tidy, upscale home in the high-end neighborhood that looks so perfect just might be crumbling from within because of a termite infestation. The successful business could be running on the fumes of dwindling sales and overextended credit. Things aren't always what they seem to be.

People fool us with their actions. I knew a man who put on the airs of confidence and self-assurance, but inside he was torn apart by thoughts of inadequacy and worthlessness. A woman who seemed to be the perfect mother and wife was planning to escape to another state, leaving it all behind.

I have engaged in this foolery myself. If I am struggling with temptation, I can easily force a convincing air. If I am hurt by the careless words of another, I often just smile and tell everyone that it is okay. When my world has turned upside overnight, I gamely press on.

But I cannot fool God.

Jesus said, “Blind Pharisee, first wash clean the inside of the cup or dish, and then the outside will be clean also.”

Those who are enaged in man-centered religion follow the model of the world and are overly concerned with outward appearances, with what seems to be. But as Red Letter Christians, we should be different. We can take to heart what Jesus’ said, and then apply it to our homes, our neighborhoods and our workplaces. And His call is for real change – from the inside out.

FOR MORE LIKE THIS, GO TO www.redletterbelievers.blogspot.com

If I had one, I’d hoist a white flag at my desk.

Because, I give up.

I surrender.

And by end of this post, I hope you’ll do the same.

There are "barbarians" all around – competitors, coworkers, subordinates and bosses -- and they stand ready to attack your reputation, your credibility and your honor.

How much energy do you spend, trying to keep the mockers at bay? Does it seem like you put as much effort into defending your ground as it does to complete the meaningful work in your chosen field?

Here’s a new battle plan, a new strategy -- Surrender your work …. to Jesus.

This strategy puts all of the confrontations, all of the jockeying for attention and all of the pressure on His back. Suddenly, all of my problems become His.

A surrendered work life may not bring your fame or fortune, but it will bring you peace and freedom.

And here’s a warning, if you don’t surrender now, you will eventually cede defeat to someone or something else.

So give up now – and live.