Submission is often perceived as a negative word. The prefix "sub" means "under," so when the Bible talks about submission, it means coming under a mission. In other words, we need to surrender to God's mission.
We easily surrender to our managers or leaders in the workplace when there is a clear mission. We don't think twice about it. We know what we signed up for when pursuing a career or company goals. We learn to align with every team member, whether we like them or not, to meet monthly or weekly targets. If we can submit to people for temporary, earthly goals, how much more should we fall in line with God's will and plan!
God created us for His glory (Isaiah 43:7) and His pleasure (Revelation 4:11). He desires to make us holy and blameless in love (Ephesians 1:4). When God made man, He provided everything for him. A creator alone knows what is best for his creation, and God is the Creator of all that exists. He created us in His own image so that we may become perfect in Christ Jesus (Colossians 1:28).
There are many forms of submission in the Bible. Here are a few:
Submit to God to receive wisdom, joy, and pleasures from His presence (Psalm 16:11).
Submit to Jesus to learn humility and lowliness of heart (Matthew 11:29).
Submit to the Holy Spirit to receive counsel and power (John 14:26).
Wives submit to husbands (Ephesians 5:22).
Children obey parents (Colossians 3:20).
Submit to spiritual leaders (Hebrews 13:17).
Submit to government leaders (Romans 13:1-6).
Submit to earthly masters (Colossians 3:22-23).
Submit to one another, old or young (1 Peter 5:5).
Submit to all who labor for the Lord (1 Corinthians 16:15-16).
It is not easy to be subject to another, because the fleshly man is selfish and prideful. The love of the Father makes it possible. The cross is the greatest display of submission.
Jesus died for all mankind, including His killers. How was this possible? His perfect obedience to the Father opened the way for us into eternal life. Jesus paid for our failure to fulfill God's will in our lives.
Submission is possible through Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:13).
Maranatha. Praise God. Amen.
