Tuesday, September 22, 2009

Total Surrender

On June 4, 1940, British Prime Minister, Winston Churchill gave a stirring speech that encouraged his nation during the early part of WWII. Here is the final portion of that speech.

"We shall never surrender and even if, which I do not for the moment believe, this island or a large part of it were subjugated and starving, then our empire beyond the seas, armed and guarded by the British Fleet, will carry on the struggle until in God's good time the New World with all its power and might, sets forth to the liberation and rescue of the Old."

Surrender was not an option for Churchill and the Allied forces that joined his struggle against the Nazi regime. Thousands gallantly gave their lives to restore freedom throughout the world.

Surrender is to be avoided by all measures in a military conflict, but total surrender is the ultimate goal for one who follows after Christ. Consider Luke 9:23-24 where Jesus teaches that to follow Him one must "deny himself, and take up his cross daily." Also, consider the Apostle Paul's words in Romans 12:1, calling believers to be "living sacrifices." Galatians 2:20 also comes to mind as Paul reminds believers that we are to relinquish all rights to Christ. We have been called to empty ourselves and follow Christ as Lord of our lives.

Yes, there are times when surrender is not an option, but in order to follow Christ to not surrender is never an option.

In His Grace,

Russell