
When most people hear the term submission, they automatically think it refers to a woman’s place in a marriage and the way she must relate to her husband. However, that’s only one aspect of it. The reality is that this principle of submission is one by which we all abide, whether male or female, married or single. By this I mean it is already a part of our everyday lives. For example, we submit ourselves daily to our employers, civil authorities and spiritual leaders not to mention those with whom we have established relationships. You are going to submit to someone, somewhere, sometime so it’s better to get a clear understanding of what submission is so that you can become trained in this important principle from God’s word.
You’ve got it all wrong if you are equating submission with a subservient, maidservant mentality. Instead, submission means to put all of you, your knowledge, opinions, feelings and energies at the disposal of another. In simple terms, it means putting yourself under the mission of another hence the prefix sub meaning under. For submission to work, you must be willing and able to adapt to another person’s vision. That means changing your thinking and your corresponding actions. Submission is not for the weak. Anyone can be proud, haughty and independent. It doesn’t take strength, ingenuity or courage to act that way; however, it does take courage to submit yourself to God and those in authority over you. This kind of mental determination is what separates the women from the girls, the men from the boys and the wise from the foolish.
Following Jesus’ example of submission will help you to learn how to submit in other areas of your life. To avoid conflict on the job, you must learn to submit to those who are in authority over you. Whether you like them or agree with them is irrelevant. As long as what they ask of you doesn’t go against God’s Word, you are to comply (1 Peter2:18,19, AMP). If you maintain a positive attitude and make sure you obey His Word, He will promote you for your diligence, obedience and integrity on the job. There are many laws of the land (such as speed laws and not cheating on taxes) that everyone must abide by. Even though you may not agree with certain rules, as long as they are not in conflict with God’s Word, you must follow them. I Peter 2:16, 17 says, “As free, and not using our liberty for a cloke of maliciousness, but as the servant of God. Honour all men. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honour the king.”
Whether is submission to the authority of the law, your employer or your spouse, submission is not a compromise of ideas. It is a willingness to get under the other person’s mission. Realize that your way isn’t the only way or the only right way. Let go and let God handle the issue. Remember, being submissive doesn’t leave you powerless it has the ability to give you power and usher in favour (Proverbs 3:24; Ephesians 5:22; First Peter 5: 4, 6). Begin today to willingly and cheerfully submit yourself to those in authority over you. In doing so, you position yourself to be abundantly blessed.