When I looked up every Bible passage that mentioned the word submit/submission, I found out that our Father has ordered his world in a specific way, asking five groups of people to yield to the authority placed above them.
First, residents submit to their government: “It is necessary to submit to the authorities” (Romans 13:5). Second, employees submit to their bosses: “Slaves, in reverent fear of God submit yourselves to your masters” (1 Peter 2:18). (Please note that first-century slavery was more like modern employment than the slavery of the American South.) Third, wives submit to their husbands: “Wives, submit yourselves to your own husbands as you do to the Lord” (Ephesians 5:22). Fourth, Christians submit to their pastors: “Have confidence in your [church] leaders and submit to their authority, because they keep watch over you as those who must give an account” (Hebrews 13:17). Finally, everyone submits to God: “Submit yourselves, then, to God” (James 4:7).
The first four examples teach us that while we can and should share our desires, ideas, and preferences, we yield to the authority of others for the sake of order. (If that seems like a bad system, read the book of Judges where everyone did what they wanted. Hint: It did not end well.) The final example reminds us that our ultimate submission is to God, which means we yield to him even if our government or our church leaders would ask us to sin (read Acts 5:29).
What would a humble, submissive life look like for you this week?
