What thought did you have when you read the word above?
Did it invoke an emotional response like “to what?!”
Most find it difficult to respond to this word positively because it would require a process of letting go. Not being in control and some believe its a sign of weakness.
How often do you find yourself challenged in this act? Or do you persist to resist?
What if you learned that being submissive actually gives peace, would you be interested in learning how and why?
This is why I share this devotional today. To help clear up any confusion about what it isn’t and what it actually looks like.
Submissiveness is misunderstood today, and I can prove this to you through the Word of God. Once you learn how God expects us to submit, the literal act of it, how it gives light to darkness. It will be something you will want to do even more.
So for the next few moments put away any preconceived ideas and follow me through the word as it reveals to us treasures of peace and fulfillment for our benefit!
If you don’t remember anything from this devotional, at least take this as a “post it” note moment: we need to understand that true submission means obediently trusting.
Doing the will of the Father in heaven, is liken to honoring your parents house rules; taking responsibility and having integrity in a work environment. Following the road laws of safety as you drive. Being considerate of your neighbors and/or letting the stranger go ahead of you.
So you can see we are already trained in some respect to be submissive. But for some who refuse they find themselves in turmoil often, family drama; relationship issues; can’t keep a job; always at odds with others and/or often times just not helpful in society, which can land them in jail. That’s what NOT submitting looks like. So now that we have a few every day examples – lets investigate those examples from the Word of God.
Eph 5:15-21 tells us what walking in wisdom looks like and how doing this shows respect to God.
Did you know being in unity through humility is a walk in trusting obedience. Phil 2:1-4 shows us the do’s and don’ts of ideas or habits learned in the “school of disobedience.” aka the ways of the world.
When we look out for others we are being submissive to God.
And if we truly love others then we should remember what that looks like HERE. (1 Corinthians 13:5)
Another point of humility (submission), it cures worldliness. James 4:7 and 10
OK here’s a final thing we must consider…Submission to Government.
Good I got your attention, I imagined you are interested to read this now that its more politically charged.
Reminder: I’m just sharing what I have been shown – this is not my Word – it’s His, so if you have a knee jerk reaction, that’s between you and HIM, not me, you and HIM .
We are not required to defy authorities. Our words whether spoken or written should be prayerfully considered. I’ve heard it said and out of context, that IF it goes against the Will of God then take action. That’s not actually true. How we react to injustices matters just the same as how we treat (love) our neighbors.
What are the odds that the one who drew his sword and cut the ear of a soldier during Jesus arrest would later be the one to share these words. He was a a fishermen who became a bond servant for Christ whose personal testimony it was to write about how to properly respond to persecution and agony which was at the hand of governing authorities, and is a part of the Christian life in which Christ is the center.
Jesus is our hope, or redeemer, our cornerstone.
We should consider seriously in this moment, these instructions to humble ourselves, cast our cares on Jesus, and be vigilant to stay the course in Christ. Yes, there may be a lot we don’t agree with, but there is nothing new under the sun. God is and will always remain faithful and in charge.
Our time would be better served to surrender our will to His, in submissive obedience.
It is always good to do good.
In Christ Love, Amen.
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