Surrender

 There was a time when every man carried a white handkerchief; both of my grandfathers did, as did my my Dad. I've seen men pull those white cloths from their pockets and use them as a flag or signal. We know in battle, a white flag signals surrender. Giving up isn't an easy thing; whether we're setting aside a bad habit or negotiating a compromise, it involves some degree of self-denial. "As each one has received a special gift, employ it in serving one another as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.." (1 Peter 4:10 NASB). I suggest our nature leans heavily toward hoarding rather than sharing. As is God's Nature, so Believers' nature should be to give freely and generously of our [God-given] gifts to and for the good of others. Such obedience to Christ's command demands a denying-of-self - a waving of the white flag in giving up my rights to the benefit and good of another. Perhaps we should all carry a white handkerchief to remind us we are called to a daily humble surrender to others as unto Christ Jesus. Let's live under that flag of ... surrender.