Heart of Submission

Submission is defined as yielding or being in subjection to a superior, authority, or another person’s will; to comply, surrender, or humble oneself unto another. The most powerful example of submission is our dear Lord Jesus Christ. (Take a brief pause here to read Philippians 2:5-8) Though fully God, Christ chose in love to humble Himself to become a mortal man and go to the cross to die in our place to pay for all sin. The Lord experienced extreme stress, even sweating drops of blood (Luke 22:44), desiring He could avoid this trial; yet His heart of love and attitude was one of complete obedience: “O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt.” (Matt. 26:39)

As we think of Ephesians 5:21, “Submitting yourselves one toward another in the fear of God,” we are reminded of an earlier passage, Romans 12:10: “Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another.” God desires us to be a living sacrifice, to think of and exalt others above ourselves, motivated by His unconditional love. As we mature in understanding God’s perfect, eternal love and value for us, we learn to love Him. We grow in understanding our own worth to love ourselves, then prefer saints who are members of our own Body and finally love the lost. “Love your neighbor as yourself.” (Rom. 13:9b) We’re eternal beings given purpose to live resurrection life, having this great privilege on God’s behalf, to be His ambassadors and servants.

Growing up in a family, getting married, and having children offer great opportunity to acquire ways to serve and to be other-directed as we negotiate the challenges of various life roles by His power in us. When we do it “to the Lord, and not unto men” (Col. 3:23), the fleshly behavior of others is not the issue, even when they seem hard to love. Our focus and motive is to please God not men.

As women in the Body of Christ, we have great occasion to recognize our interdependence and connectedness, teaching us how to serve. In some roles we are novices and students, such as when we were children. In others, such as being parents, we are in charge, becoming teachers. Every role has the privilege and responsibility to manifest Christ. Whether a servant or master, we’re to follow God’s instructions, that is, to live and apply godly love. Guidelines for both groups: “…be obedient to them that are your masters according to the flesh, with fear and trembling, in singleness of your heart, as unto Christ; Not with eye service, as menpleasers; but as the servants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart; With good will doing service, as to the Lord, and not to men… And, ye masters, do the same things...” (Eph. 6:5-9a)  In each role, humbleness is the key.

To Do: Meditate on these things to be equipped and labor as a woman of faith. It will teach you submission to serve in whatever capacity or role you are graciously given.