Examining the Difference Between Relinquishment and Resignation

Is there a difference between relinquishing and resigning to changes resulting in a reduced role and less responsibilities at work? 

In a recent post, I explored the potential of discovering deeper meaning through accepting a path of downward mobility.

I think that the primary difference between relinquishment and resignation lies in the posture of our heart. Are we surrendering or submitting with a gracious heart or are we forcing those in authority to pry things from our cold, dead hands?

See the difference?

A couple of other key differences between relinquishing and resigning oneself to changes at work exist in the level of agency, emotional acceptance, and mindset toward what’s being done.

Do you have any say in the matter?

Do you see it as being done for you or to you?

Do you see it as something positive that creates new opportunities or do you view the shift in responsibilities as something negative intended to reduce and diminish your voice and influence?

---

Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they are keeping watch over your souls, as those who will have to give an account. Let them do this with joy and not with groaning, for that would be of no advantage to you.

Hebrews 13:17 ESV

---

Relinquishing Oneself

A posture of relinquishment involves intentionally letting go of something: control, responsibilities, subordinates, direct reports or a specific role. Relinquishment implies a conscious decision to release what you once held to create space for new opportunities or to focus more on what matters most.

Relinquishing something tends to have a more empowered tone. While it may be tough to give up what you once had a say in or control over, relinquishment is an action that stems from a place of choice, reflection, and growth.

• For example: “I’ve decided to relinquish these tasks so I can focus more on creative projects.”

Resigning Oneself

A posture of resignation is a reflection of acceptance of something you cannot change. This may include a tone of inevitability or reluctant submission. You don’t necessarily like it or agree with it, but you’ll go along with it for now. Resigning yourself to something suggests yielding to circumstances even if they are not what you want. You may feel powerless or see no better alternative. There’s simply nothing you can do about it. You’re not being asked (even though you’re having meetings about it). You’re being told.

That said, resignation can bring a sort of peace. However, resignation has a passive or reluctant connotation. You have made peace with the situation while not enthusiastically embracing it. Sure—you had input but you didn’t actually have any say in the outcome.

• Example: “I’ve resigned myself to having fewer responsibilities since the decision was really made for me.”

---

10 Create in me a clean heart, O God,
    and renew a right spirit within me.
¹¹ Cast me not away from your presence,
    and take not your Holy Spirit from me.
¹² Restore to me the joy of your salvation,
    and uphold me with a willing spirit.

Psalm 51:10-12 ESV

---

Key Differences:

At its core, relinquishment involves an intentional release, even if the process is difficult.

Resignation is acceptance without choice, often accompanied by a sense of loss or inevitability.

Relinquishment might involve framing change as an opportunity to focus on new areas of life, in and outside of work, that align more with your strengths or interests. 

Resignation, by contrast, likely feels as if you are yielding to decisions made by others, for you. You have less sense of control and may even sense a loss of purpose. Naturally, the emotional experience differs greatly based on how you view the change. Is it an intentional transition or simply something you have to live with?

---

Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ.

Ephesians 5:21 NIV

---

I am curious to hear your thoughts on this subject and I look forward to reading your comments.

---

Have you voted yet?

You may not like the choices, but you should still exercise your right. Voting is a precious privilege. Please GO VOTE!

---

God, grant me the serenity
to accept the things I cannot change
the courage to change the things I can
and the wisdom to know the difference.

The Serenity Prayer

---

Until my next post…

Remember:
God is good. All the time. 

No matter what.

Know you are loved.

Praying for you. Praying for America.

Let us pray for those among us who are serving in political office. May the Lord bless them with wisdom, discernment, and knowledge of the truth (1 Timothy 2:1-2).

Don’t worry about what’s next. Enjoy what’s now. 

Love, peace, and joy,

Rainer Bantau —The Devotional Guy™

#JesusStrong