Perfect Submission, Perfect Delight

Obey those who rule over you, and be submissive, for they watch out for your souls, as those who must give account.

Hebrews 13:17

The idea of submission isn’t popular in our me-centered culture; we don’t like others telling us what to do. We’re wary of anything limiting our personal freedoms, and we equate submission with weakness. But the Bible teaches that while Christians are strong-willed, stout-hearted souls, the word submit should be in our vocabulary.

The Bible tells us to submit to one another in the fear of God (Ephesians 5:21). Wives are to submit to their husbands (Ephesians 5:22), and children to their parents (1 Timothy 3:4). Peter tells us to submit to the laws of the land for the Lord’s sake (1 Peter 2:13). Younger people should have submissive attitudes toward older people, and servants toward their masters (1 Peter 5:5; 2:18). All of us are to submit to God (James 4:7).

The Lord has established lines of authority and responsibility for our welfare, and a healthy heart is one that knows when and how to defer his or her own wishes for the sake of godly obedience. After all, even our Lord Jesus submitted to the Father’s will. Should we not do the same?

A heart resigned, submissive, meek, my great Redeemer’s throne,

where only Christ is heard to speak, where Jesus reigns alone.

CHARLES WESLEY