The white flag is an internationally recognized sign used to signify a truce, ceasefire, desire for negotiation, or intention to surrender. The first mention of the usage of white flags to surrender is made during the Eastern Han dynasty (A.D 25-220). The white flag was widely used during the Middle Ages in Western Europe to indicate the desire to surrender.
Can you guess what “white flag faithfulness” is? It, too, is a sign of the desire to surrender . . . but to whom? It is surrendering yourself—all of yourself—to your Savior. “‘God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble,’” James instructed. “Submit yourselves therefore to God” (James 4:6-7).
There are numerous examples of white flag faithfulness in sacred Scripture. Abraham waved the white flag and left everything he knew to faithfully follow God. Noah waved the white flag and worked for more than 100 years to build a boat, working miles from any body of water. Gideon waved the white flag and won the day against the Midianite army with only 300 warriors. Mary waved the white flag when the angel Gabriel announced she was God’s choice to be the mother of the Messiah, knowing full well the scorn and shame she would attract as an unmarried pregnant woman. John the Baptist waved the white flag and preached the coming Savior, a surrender which ultimately cost him his life. Paul waved the white flag on the road to Damascus and transformed from persecutor to pastor.
Prayerfully consider the extent of your sold-out surrender to your Savior in the following areas; are you submitted and waving the white flag in your . . .
- Dating life?
- Married life?
- Finances?
- Professional plans?
- Thought life?
- Prayer life?
- Church service?
- Sharing your faith?
- Forgiving others?
- Rejoicing for the success of others?
- Hurting when others are hurting?
- Removing the plank from your own eye?
In what areas have you totally abandoned yourself to the will of God? In what areas are you holding back? What is keeping you from totally surrendering and trusting God in any of these areas? Whatever rules your heart shapes your life. Whatever you refuse to surrender to Jesus is serving as your functional savior.
When you wave the white flag and surrender your life to the Lordship of Jesus Christ, you live for something bigger than your own life. When you live for the transcendent purposes of God you live a life that truly matters—not just on Sunday, but every day of the week.
A surrendered life is the fulfillment of the call of Christ, “Deny yourself, take up your cross and follow me.” This kind of white flag faithfulness is a call to death that leads to life. It is only by dying to yourself that you can live for your Savior. Go ahead! Wave the white flag of faithfulness and live the life you were designed by God to live.
This is the gospel. This is grace for your race. NEVER FORGET THAT…AMEN!
Grace for the Race 