So, the Be Attitude of God’s Kingdom is Surrender. But what exactly does that mean? Is it the waving of a white flag? The raising of hands to signal defeat and despair? Or maybe the act of simply giving up because we know we can’t win and what’s the use in fighting?
According to the Online Etymology Dictionary, the word Surrender has its roots in Old French and combines ‘Sur’ (which means over) and ‘Rendre’ (which means to give back). So, stripped down, Surrender can technically be defined as handing over back. This implies a return of some kind.
When the Pharisees and Herodians (who actually were bitter enemies, but united that one time in an act of common hatred) said to Jesus, “Teacher, we know that You are true, and teach the way of God in truth; nor do You care about anyone, for You do not regard the person of men. Tell us, therefore, what do You think? Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar, or not?” (Matthew 22:16-17). Jesus, fully understanding their trickery, said, “”Why do you test Me, you hypocrites? Show Me the tax money.” So they brought Him a denarius. And He said to them, “Whose image and inscription is this?” They said to Him, “Caesar’s.” And He said to them, “Render therefore to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.”” (Matthew 22:18-22).
If the coin belonged to Caesar because it had his image on it, then we who are created in the image of God (Genesis 1:27) belong to God. The problem of the Fall was that man took himself into his own hands when he decided to disregard God’s command. In surrendering, we give ourselves back to God, who has righteous claim to us.
Rather than a desperate last resort, Surrender is the ultimate act of worship, for it requires the understanding that God is our All, and without Him we are nothing. This is the definition of meekness or humility. By contrast, Pride insists on defining itself independently of God. It may sound benign, but pride is at the very root of sin itself, for it separates us from our Creator. Is it any wonder then, that “God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble”? (James 4:6).