Making iron out of gold

During the reign of King Frederick William III of Prussia, he found himself, and his country deeply troubled. Wars with France had been costly, and in trying to rebuild the nation, he was seriously short of finance. He couldn’t disappoint his people, and to capitulate to the enemy was unthinkable. King Frederick eventually asked the women of Prussia to bring their jewelry of gold and silver to be melted down for their country.

For each piece of jewelry he received, he guaranteed to exchange a decoration of bronze or iron as a symbol of his gratitude. Each decoration would be inscribed, “I gave gold for iron, 1813.”

The response was overwhelming. Even more importantly, the women prized their gifts from the king more highly than their former jewelry. The reason, of course, is clear. The decorations were proof that they had sacrificed for their king. Indeed, it quickly became unfashionable to wear jewelry, and thus was established the Order of the Iron Cross. Members wore no ornaments except a cross of iron for all to see.

God calls upon believers to surrender all that they value in this world as a living sacrifice, an offering of praise. When we who call ourselves Christians come to our King, we too can exchange the flourishes and embellishments of our former life for a cross.

I appeal to you therefore, brethren, and beg of you in view of [all] the mercies of God, to make a decisive dedication of your bodies [presenting all your members and faculties] as a living sacrifice, holy (devoted, consecrated) and well pleasing to God, which is your reasonable (rational, intelligent) service and spiritual worship. Romans 12:1 Amplified Bible

The word “present” simply means, “to put at one’s disposal” or “to bring before as an offering.” Too many believers hold on to the mistaken idea of, “It’s my life. I can do what I want to with it.” God’s Word reveals just the opposite.

The word “bodies” actually refers to more than the outer shell that keeps our bones from falling all over the floor. Mindful of the Old Testament sacrifices, “bodies” represent the totality of our life and activities, of which our mortal body is but the vehicle of expression.  Andrew Murray said, “God is ready to assume full responsibility for the life wholly yielded to Him.” The Bible puts that thought this way… “For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s.” 1 Corinthians 6: 20

Giving up control of one’s life requires the willingness to sacrifice. But the gains of submission to Christ for far outweigh the losses. The idea of living a surrendered life is anthemia to our modern ego-centric lifestyles, but Jesus himself lived a surrendered life: “I came down from heaven, not to do mine own will, but the will of him that sent me” (John 6:38). “I seek not mine own glory” (John 8:50). Christ never did anything on his own. He made no move and spoke no word without being instructed by the Father. “I do nothing of myself; but as my Father hath taught me, I speak these things...for I do always those things that please him” (John 8:28-29).

"Jesus CHOSE to live the surrendered life and our heavenly Father has given all of us this same right: the privilege to choose a surrendered life. No one is forced to yield his or her life to God. Our Lord doesn't make us sacrifice our will and give back our lives to him. He freely offers us a Promised Land, full of milk, honey and fruit. But we may choose not to enter that place of fullness." (David Wilkerson 'The Surrendered Life')  

The reality is; we can have as much of Christ as we want. We can have as shallow a relationship we want, however, on the other hand, we can enter into His Kingdom as far as we want, we need not stand at the gateway and watch others whom are deeply in love with their Lord, while we live on the fringes of that love.   

"There is nothing you can to do make God love you more! There is nothing you can do to make God love you less! His love is Unconditional, Impartial, Everlasting, Infinite, Perfect!"
(source unknown)

 Si deus nobiscum quis contra nos?
If God is with us, who shall be against us?