The Importance of Submission in Christian Relationships and Society

We Need to Talk about Submission

Submission is a word that is often misunderstood and misused in our society. It is a word that evokes negative reactions, especially when it comes to marriage. The truth is, submission is an essential part of our Christian walk, and it is something that we need to talk about and understand better.

What is Submission?

Submission is the act of yielding or surrendering to the authority of another. It involves putting the needs and desires of others before our own and willingly submitting to their leadership. Submission is not a negative thing; it is a beautiful and powerful act of love that reflects the heart of Christ.

When we think of submission in marriage, we often think of the wife submitting to the husband. However, submission is a two-way street, and both the husband and wife are called to submit to one another. In Ephesians 5:21, it says, "Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ." This means that both the husband and wife are called to submit to each other in love and respect.

Submission in Marriage

Submission in marriage is a topic that can cause controversy and confusion. However, when we understand the biblical principles of submission, it becomes clear that it is a beautiful and essential part of marriage. In Ephesians 5:22-24, it says, "Wives, submit yourselves to your own husbands as you do to the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife as Christ is the head of the church, his body, of which he is the Savior. Now as the church submits to Christ, so also wives should submit to their husbands in everything."

This passage is often misunderstood and misinterpreted, but it is essential to note that it is not a call for women to be subservient to men. Instead, it is a call for wives to submit to their husbands in the same way that the church submits to Christ. It is a call for wives to respect and honor their husbands and to work together to build a healthy and loving marriage.

Submission in marriage is a powerful act of love that reflects the heart of Christ. It involves putting the needs and desires of our spouse before our own and working together to build a strong and healthy marriage. When we submit to our spouse, we are submitting to God, and we are reflecting the beautiful relationship between Christ and the church.

Submission in the Church

Submission is not just something that is required in marriage; it is also a crucial part of our relationship with God. In James 4:7, it says, "Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you."

As Christians, we are called to submit to God and His will for our lives. This means putting aside our own desires and ambitions and surrendering to His plan for us. It means following His lead, even when it is difficult or uncomfortable. When we submit to God, we are acknowledging His authority in our lives, and we are trusting Him to lead us in the right direction.

Submission is also a crucial part of our relationship with others in the church. In 1 Peter 5:5, it says, "In the same way, you who are younger, submit yourselves to your elders. All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, 'God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.'"

As members of the body of Christ, we are called to submit to one another in love and humility. This means putting aside our own desires and preferences and working together to build up the church. It means respecting and honoring our leaders and submitting to their authority in the church. When we submit to one another in the church, we are reflecting the heart of Christ and building a strong and united community.

The Benefits of Submission

Submission is not always easy, but it is essential for our Christian walk. When we submit to God, to our spouse, and to one another in the church, we experience a range of benefits:

1. Unity

When we submit to one another, we build unity in our relationships and in the church. We work together towards a common goal and put aside our differences for the greater good. Unity is essential for a healthy and thriving relationship and church.

2. Humility

Submission requires humility, which is a crucial characteristic of a Christian. When we submit to others, we are acknowledging that we are not in control and that we need help and guidance. It is through humility that we grow in our faith and become more like Christ.

3. Love

Submission is an act of love. When we submit to our spouse, we are putting their needs and desires before our own, which is a powerful expression of love. When we submit to God, we are expressing our love and trust in Him. When we submit to one another in the church, we are showing our love for our fellow believers.

4. Growth

When we submit to God and to others, we grow in our faith and become more like Christ. Submission requires us to put aside our own desires and preferences and to follow God's lead. It is through this process that we grow and mature in our faith.

The Misunderstandings of Submission

Despite the many benefits of submission, it is a topic that is often misunderstood and misused. Here are some of the common misunderstandings of submission:

1. Submission is Weakness

Many people think that submission is a sign of weakness, especially when it comes to women submitting to men. However, submission is not weakness; it is a powerful act of love that requires strength and humility.

2. Submission is One-Sided

Another common misunderstanding of submission is that it is one-sided and only applies to women submitting to men. However, submission is a two-way street, and both the husband and wife are called to submit to one another in love and respect.

3. Submission is Oppressive

Some people believe that submission is oppressive, especially when it comes to women submitting to men. However, submission is not oppressive; it is a beautiful and powerful act of love that reflects the heart of Christ.

4. Submission is Outdated

Finally, some people believe that submission is outdated and no longer applies to our modern society. However, submission is a timeless principle that is just as relevant today as it was in biblical times.

The Importance of Submission in Today's Society

Submission is an essential part of our Christian walk, and it is something that we need to talk about and understand better. In today's society, where individualism and self-promotion are highly valued, submission can seem counter-cultural and even undesirable. However, when we understand the biblical principles of submission, we see that it is a beautiful and powerful act of love that reflects the heart of Christ.

Today's society is also marked by division and conflict. We see this in our relationships, our communities, and our world. Submission is a powerful antidote to this division. When we submit to one another in love and humility, we build unity and work towards a common goal. Submission is crucial for healthy relationships, thriving communities, and a peaceful world.

Conclusion

Submission is a word that is often misunderstood and misused in our society. However, when we understand the biblical principles of submission, we see that it is a beautiful and essential part of our Christian walk. Submission is not weakness or oppression; it is a powerful act of love that reflects the heart of Christ. When we submit to God, to our spouse, and to one another in the church, we experience unity, humility, love, and growth.

As Christians, we are called to submit to one another in love and humility. We are called to respect and honor our leaders and to work together to build up the church. When we do this, we reflect the heart of Christ and make a powerful difference in our world.