Scripture Reading: Luke 22:39-42, 2 Corinthians 10:1-6, Ephesians 5:15-33, Ephesians 6:1-9, Philippians 2:3-10, Hebrews 13:17
It should come as no surprise that the concept of submission is unpopular. For many of us, submission is synonymous with defeat. It conjures up images of the strong-minded trampling the weak-willed. Today’s culture asks, “Why would anyone willingly give away their power to someone else?” However, this perception of submission is antithetical to the biblical witness. The scriptures are clear: Submission is at the very center of the character of the triune God.
When Jesus submitted to the Father’s will on the night before His death, praying those unforgettable words, “not my will, but yours, be done” (Luke 22:42), it was not due to any weakness on Christ’s part. No, as the Son had done from before the foundations of the world, He glorified the Father by pursuing the Father’s interests above His own. This is how Father, Son, and Spirit relate to one another—in love. When Scripture calls for believers to submit to one another (Ephesians 5:21), we’re being invited into relationships that reflect the life and love of the Trinity!
It is only with this understanding of submission that we can wrap our minds around Paul’s radical challenge in his letter to the Philippians. He instructed Christians to look to their neighbor’s interests before their own, going so far as to urge them to humility, to “consider others as more important than [themselves]” (Philippians 2:3). This was the attitude of Christ, which means this is the attitude of God Himself. If submission is reflected in God’s existence, it makes perfect sense that He’d desire it to be at the center of ours as well.
One of the ways I’ve tried to cultivate a life of submission is by placing myself under the tutelage of mentors. Throughout my life, I’ve sought out godly men with admirable faith to speak into my life, hold me accountable, and encourage and instruct me in the faith. Women can do the same by seeking out the mentorship of godly women. It’s rarely easy to give someone this level of authority over your life’s direction, but relationships like these help remind me that following Jesus means surrendering my will to God’s kingdom agenda. I give these men authority to guide me in the ways of Christ, and they have been some of the most meaningful relationships I’ve ever had.
The practice of submission can enter our lives in a myriad of ways, as we seek to put the interests of others ahead of our own. Rather than squeezing in time to help those in need whenever it’s most convenient for us, let’s put acts of service on the calendar first, before filling our days with our own activities. The same goes for giving: Set aside money to give away first, before budgeting out the rest. These are small ways we can build the principle of submission into our lives as we follow Christ’s example.
Written by Collin Ross
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56 thoughts on "Submission"
I have been focusing A LOT on Philippians 2. I am trying so hard not to be prideful. I am trying to look more to others’ interests. I try. I really do…
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Not MY will but HIS! He wants me to consider others more significant than myself.
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So. Very. Hard.
Submission is a way that we can show our love to those around us. We can see from Jesus’ example that submission is not a sign of weakness. Jesus was very strong, yet he submitted to the father’s will.
Lord, not my will but Yours be done! Jesus, have Your way in me!
Once you clear out the garbage of toxic relationships and learn how to have truly healthy boundaries and avoid unsafe or abusive people, then (and only then) can submission be a way to grow in the likeness of Christ. It can make the believer holier and more humble.
Great ideas of planned submission for the welfare of others!
Truly a challenging concept. Especially with marriage issues. Praying hard today.
“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility consider others as more important than yourselves. Everyone should look not to his own interests, but rather to the interests of others” (Philippians 2:3–4). I really love these verses. One of the ways that I have tried to make friends and build a real connection with others is to get out of my shyness/ comfort zone, and to go out there, showing genuine interest in others and connect, learning what they like, and understanding what they struggle with. The keyword that jumps out to me today is humility posture. There is a study that connects long healthy life with having strong social connections, highlighting the risk of social isolation or weak connections. Isn’t that interesting. So based on scriptures and my reflection, humble people naturally will attract stronger friendships and connections because they don’t look to their own interests. It makes me very emotional thinking of Jesus as my best friend. Thank you Jesus for being such a humble friend and for showing great interest in someone as little as me, even when I was still a sinner. I was worthy in His sight to be restored and redeemed.
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My song share today: What a friend we have in Jesus.
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What a friend we have in Jesus
All our sins and griefs to bear
What a privilege to carry
Everything to God in prayer
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O what peace we often forfeit
O what needless pain we bear
All because we do not carry
Everything to God in prayer
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Have we trials and temptations?
Is there trouble anywhere?
We should never be discouraged
Take it to the Lord in prayer
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Can we find a friend so faithful
Who will all our sorrows share?
Jesus knows our every weakness
Take it to the Lord in prayer
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I pray you all have a wonderful day counting your blessings. Be blessed dear sisters.
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“Submission” has gotten a bad rap, but mostly because it has been so misunderstood.
When we submit to God, it is allowing ourselves to be led and directed by Someone who loves us more than we could imagine. He has our best interests at heart, and His glory. To submit is not to be weak but quite the opposite. It shows strength through the power of the Spirit. Children submit to parents because it’s right. Wives submit to husbands – as to the Lord. Husbands submit to Christ and Christ submits to God. It’s the order God created, and when it’s obeyed there is a sweet harmony!
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Submission hasn’t always come easy, but when it’s done as to the Lord, it makes it a whole lot easier!
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Rhonda – praying for Brayden this morning & was praying for him at 2:00 a.m. when I couldn’t get back to sleep.
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Happy Thursday She’s!
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I agree! It’s all in perfect harmony when followed!
Thank you so much. He made an appearance, and has to stay and go back next Thurs. and then again on the 21st. He saw me first thing and whispered He loved me. (crying face) He is trying to be brave. He said he is the youngest in the place, and gets really anxious. Lord, get us through this, give Brayden strength and comfort, and me to not fall apart with all we have faced this year and last. In Jesus’ name.
I think the idea of submission without belief, faith, and surrender in God is impossible. I feel a softening in my heart and mind because of my faith.
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Amen
Tutelage. I had to look it up! In 2017, the summer I left my abusive marriage of over 20 years, I go involved with Celebrate Recovery’s and started a women’s 12 step study. ONE of the best decisions I ever made. It not only involved my digging out past, present and future, but it also involved me being vulnerable with my sponsor, she got to hear the good, the bad and the ugly. YET she LOVED me so much! I was in a state of survival and she loved on me, supported me, helped me peel off those layers. During those times I was afraid of my own shadow. First and foremost because of CHRIST and the people HE provided for me (Jesus with skin), I am where I am today. There is just something about being vulnerable with another human and keeping me accountable. Today,….I’m sad to say that sponsor experienced some health issues and no longer remembers me, YET I will always remember her.
Praise God for Celebrate Recovery, sponsors and mentors – and for where God has brought you to today! ❤️
Yes, I hear great things of that program! So glad you went and worked through it!
Biblegateway Verse of the Day:
Isaiah 48:17 NLT
This is what the Lord says—
your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel: “I am the Lord your God, who teaches you what is good for you and leads you along the paths you should follow.”
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We just did a brief study of Ruth in Sunday School. Another great example of submission!
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SONG SHARE:
Chris Tomlin – I Will Follow (Lyric Video)
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Love, hugs, and prayers! ❤
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RHONDA J- I am praying for Brayden (and for you) today as well as the presiding judge. ❤
Joining you in prayer for Brayden and his loved ones ❤️
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Thank ya’ll, so much appreciated! My heart breaks seeing him like that. He will remain there for now, so please keep him on your prayer lisT!
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Submission and surrender go hand in hand. When we surrender all of ourselves to God, we submit to His plans and His will. Trusting Him with our lives. Why? Because this is how we live in joy. Knowing He loves me and has the best for me.
Praying for all.
Well said, Cheryl! ❤
Ooh….submission. Not easy. Sigh. The verses are so clear on God’s heart on submission, the example of Jesus words and actions cannot be missed. The verses clearly point out why submission is important, and its summed up so well in the authors words…”following Jesus means surrendering my will to God’s kingdom agenda.”
Lord, soften and lead my heart and will to follow after you. So often I want to go my own way on so many things but no matter what, your way is better. Help me set aside my own desires and look to you and the kingdom agenda that is far better than my own. Amen
Amen ❤
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Love this! I’ve been feeling this exact topic on my heart. Put it on the calendar. Volunteer, serve, set time aside. Be intentional
Kelly, praying that the Lord guide you through this employment application process.
This is a beautiful explanation of why submission is important in many areas of our lives! It can be a difficult concept for me to implement at times, but it is clear that God has a purpose in the act of submission & obedience.
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Good morning, I am challenged uplifted and strengthened by the scripture for today’s reading. I am reminded that the Commandment to love my mother and father comes with a promise ❤️ and I am strengthened and challenged to obey my leader at work because blessings are connected to this and also because it is God‘s will for my life ❤️ Hannah
Amen!
Submission – the act of yielding to another person’s authority
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verses
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Surrender – to give up control, possession, or power to another
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Close,right?
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The two may have the same outcome, but the difference between “yielding” and “giving up” seems to land differently. When you yield you are generally going in the same direction as the one you yield to. Giving up gives the idea that you may no longer be going in the same direction you were going.
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Just some random thoughts.
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Applying for a new job today. Please join me in praying for it to be a good fit and if so, I find favor with the hiring manager. Thanks.
Praying Kelly! And yes “giving up” weighs heavier and puts a bad taste in my mouth! Yielding lands better:)
Joining you in prayer Kelly❣️
I love this! Praying over your interview today, Kelly!
Very good points on the differences between surrender and submission. Thank you for sharing.
Have prayed for you❤️
Praying
Lifting you in prayer Kelly that your interview goes well!
Praying with you Kelly.
Praying! ❤️
Love your “random thoughts”! I am stopping to pray right now for this job application, that you will know if this job is a good fit – a place to use your gifts with space to stretch and grow, and for favor with the hiring manager if this is where God wants you to land. Also peace in the waiting to hear. ❤❤❤
The Lord’s will be done! May you have peace and guidance in this process!
Amen❤️
Praying for your interview, Kelly, that God’s will be done
Good thoughts! … praying that if this is the job for you that you will get hired and that it will be a good fit.❤
Praying Kelly❤️
Submission vs surrender- great comparison. Praying for your interview and your evaluation of the position and potential coworkers- may the Lord guide you in His perfect will. ❤️
Your comparison brings to mind, I Surrender All.
Praying for your search for a new job. I pray God leads you and the hiring manager to the decision that is His will. ❤️
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Kelly sending prayers your way
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