SUBMISSION

 

Submission is yielding oneself to the authority or will of another.  In other words, surrender.  The Bible tells us that we must submit to:

q       Each Other:  “Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ.”  (Ephesians 5:21)

q       Husbands:  “Wives, submit to your husbands as to the Lord.”  (Ephesians 5:22)

q       Rulers:  “Submit yourselves for the Lord's sake to every authority instituted among men: whether to the king, as the supreme authority,”  (1 Peter 2:13)

q       Elders:  “Young men, in the same way be submissive to those who are older.”  (1 Peter 5:5)

q       Christian Leaders:  “Obey your leaders and submit to their authority.”  (Hebrews 13:17)

q       God:  “Submit yourselves, therefore to God.”  (James 4:7a)

 

Throughout the Bible, God commands us to submit to different forms of authority.  But submitting is not a natural behavior for us.  We are selfish by nature and submitting to anyone or anything tends to be extremely difficult.  We are like spoiled little children who want their own way.  “I want it now!”  “It’s MY way or the highway!”  If we are to become mature followers of Jesus Christ, we must not behave like spoiled children.  “When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put childish ways behind me.”  (1 Corinthians 13:11)  We must learn how to submit first to God then we will find it easier to submit to all others.

Submission should be a natural response to loving leadership.  Biblical submission is designed to be between two spirit-filled believers who are mutually submitted to each other and more importantly, God.  For example, a wife cannot submit to an ungodly husband because he does not understand his God-given role in the family unit.  If that husband is not living a submitted life to Christ through prayer, study and church attendance, then it will be extremely difficult for a Godly woman to submit.  “Husbands, love your wives. Love them just as Christ loved the church. He gave himself up for her.  He did it to make her holy. He made her clean by washing her with water and the word.  He did it to bring her to himself as a brightly shining church. He wants a church that has no stain or wrinkle or any other flaw. He wants a church that is holy and without blame.  In the same way, husbands should love their wives. They should love them as they love their own bodies. Any man who loves his wife loves himself.  After all, people have never hated their own bodies. Instead, they feed and care for their bodies. And that is what Christ does for the church.”  (Ephesians 5:25-29)  How many men are willing to sacrifice their lives for the wives?

So many people believe living a submitted life to anyone is a sign of weakness.  This sentiment is so far from the truth.  Living a submitted life is true freedom.  Being submitted to God’s will is being free from the bondage of sin.  If we submit our will to God’s will, we will have the power to accomplish anything.  “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.”  (Philippians 4:13)  A submitted will lifts the burdens, gives us joy in the midst of turmoil and clears the path for God to accomplish His will in our lives.  If we are trying to accomplish things our way, then we really are doubting God and His promises.  Deep down, we don’t believe that God can handle our concerns.  We don’t trust Him.  We need to always remember that God is faithful.  He is faithful unto Himself.  When He speaks a word, we need to believe it and submit to it.  We must be submitted followers to accomplish His plans.  He knows what’s best because He sees the full picture.  If we continue in our own way, we rob ourselves of all of the great and awesome things God has for us.  Think about it:  you are beating yourself up and robbing yourself!  Does that make sense?!

How can you make Jesus Lord of your life?  Acknowledge that Jesus is Lord with or without you.  He doesn’t need you, but you desperately need Him!  You must surrender the following rights:

1.     The right to be offended

2.     The right to my time

3.     The right to do what I want with my possessions

4.     The right to self-pity

5.     The right to self-justification

6.     The right to be understood

7.     The right to criticize or to be criticized

8.     The right to judge or to be judged

9.     The right to reject or to be rejected

10.                        The right to complain

 

When you accepted Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, you no longer wanted to live for self.  He purchased you with His precious blood and we belong to Him.  Jesus is not only our Savior, but more importantly, He is our Lord.  This part of the relationship requires yielding, surrendering, submitting and obeying.  Realize that you cannot make Him Lord of your life, He already is.  Therefore, submit to His Lordship.