"If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me." (Luke 9:23)

During his reign, King Frederic William III of Prussia found himself in trouble. Wars had been costly, and in trying to build the nation, he was seriously short of finances. He couldn't disappoint his people, and to surrender to the enemy was unthinkable.

After careful reflection, he decided to ask the women of Prussia to bring their gold and silver jewelry to be melted down for their country. For each ornament received, he determined to exchange a decoration of iron as a symbol of gratitude. Each decoration would be inscribed: "I gave gold for iron, 1813."

The response was overwhelming and, more importantly, the women prized the iron from their king more highly than their former jewelry. The reason, of course, was obvious. Their decorations of iron were proof that they had sacrificed for their king and country.

Let us willingly and freely sacrifice for our glorious King by denying ourselves and daily taking up our cross and following Him.