What Does The Bible Say About Submission?
The Bible contains numerous references to submission and it appears to be important in the Christian way of life. The Bible teaches that, although God is the one who sets the rules of conduct, it is our responsibility to submit to His will and His law. It is also important to understand that submission is a two-way street. Submission does not mean a complete lack of autonomy, but rather a compromise between men and women in a relationship. Both men and women should be held accountable for their responsibilities and decisions.
The Bible depicts submission as something required in relationships between people and between God. In Ephesians 5:22-33, submission is primarily described as the model of a husband and wife in a marriage. A woman is commanded to “submit to her husband as the Church submits to Christ” (Ephesians 5:22-33). In turn, the husband is called to “love his wife as Christ loved the Church” (Ephesians 5:25-33). Together with these instructions are words that temper the concept of submission. This same passage also says that a husband is “the head of the wife” and that his responsibility to love his wife is “as his own body” (Ephesians 5:28-30).
The Bible doesn’t just describe relationships between men and women. It also speaks of the submission that is due between believers and God. In the Hebrew Bible, Job acknowledges God’s authority and says, “I know that you can do all things; no purpose of yours can be thwarted” (Job 42:1-2). In the New Testament, Jesus proclaims, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me” (Matthew 16:24). From these verses we can see that submission to God is more than just following His laws and decrees; it is an act of complete surrender.
It is important to note the limitations of our own understanding when it comes to topics such as submission. We should never attempt to understand the Bible’s teachings in a vacuum. Instead, we should make efforts to understand the context in which it was written and the times in which it was written. For instance, in the passages concerning submission between married couples, we must recognize that these passages are speaking from the perspective of a patriarchal culture. We must be very cautious about applying such teachings to today’s world, as gender roles have shifted significantly over time.
Submission is also a major theme in Christian faith. It is a way of showing respect and of practicing humility. By submitting to God’s will, we are recognizing His sovereignty and bowing before His authority. It is a way of safeguarding our relationship with Him and seeking His guidance in our lives. Submission should be seen as an act of trust and faith in the face of the unknown. In the end, submission should not be considered a sign of servitude, but rather an act of love and obedience.
Submission to Authority
The Bible has several passages that speak on the subject of submission to authority, whether in relationships between people or in relationship to God. In Paul’s letter to the Romans, he urges them to “be subject to the governing authorities” (Romans 13:1-5). And in Ephesians 6, Paul describes a parent-child relationship in which children are to “obey your parents in the Lord,” and parents are expressed to “bring them up in the training and admonition of the Lord” (Ephesians 6:1-4). These examples make clear that submission to authority– in this case, to the governing authorities and to one’s parents—is an important part of Christian belief.
The Bible also places a high emphasis on submitting to God as a form of spiritual practice. In the Hebrews, the writer makes an appeal to “pay much closer attention to what we have heard, lest we drift away from it” (Hebrews 2:1-2). He insists that we must “hold fast” and be “not led away by diverse and strange teachings” (Hebrews 13:9-10). From these passages, it is clear that submission to God is not only important for our faith, but it is also a way of guarding against spiritual danger. Submission to God requires us to accept His plan and trust in His promises.
Although there are many passages in the Bible on submission, we must take caution not to take them out of context. We must remember that these passages were written in different times and cultures and their meanings should be applied thoughtfully and prayerfully. We must also remember that while submission is an important concept, it must be balanced with respect and care. We, as people of God, must strive to understand and accept one another in a way that is reflective of the love and respect that God has shown us.
Elements of Submission
The Bible identifies several elements that are essential to submission. First is obedience. The Bible tells us that we are to obey God and His commands (Deuteronomy 7:11; Proverbs 3:1-2; Isaiah 48:17). We are also required to obey our earthly leaders and those who have been placed in positions of power (Romans 13:1-5; Hebrews 13:17). Obedience is an important part of submission, as it demonstrates our willingness to accept the authority of another.
Trust is also an essential element of submission. By submitting to God’s will and trusting in His plan for our lives, we are demonstrating a level of faith that is pleasing to Him. The Bible tells us to “trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding” (Proverbs 3:5). By doing this, we are trusting that God knows what is best for our lives and that He will provide guidance when we need it.
In order for submission to be successful, it must also involve humility. The Bible commands us to “humble [our]selves before the Lord” (James 4:10). Humility is essential because it allows us to nurture relationships with one another. We must acknowledge that we are all equal in the eyes of God and that we must be willing to serve one another. When we humble ourselves, we are demonstrating that we are willing to perform the tasks that are required of us.
Finally, submission must be thoughtful and intentional. We must seek to understand the principles and commands that have been set before us and strive to obey them faithfully. We must also take the time to pay attention to the way that we interact with God and our leaders, so that we can ensure that we are responding in a way that is pleasing and righteous.
Living A Life of Submission
Living a life of submission is an admirable goal, and one that we should strive to attain. It may be difficult to achieve, especially in a society that puts such a high emphasis on independence and self-sufficiency. Yet it is a practice that goes against the tide and demonstrates our faith in God and His plan for us. By living a life of submission, we are showing that we recognize the authority of God and His word, and that we are willing to accept the guidance and provision that comes from Him.
We must also remember that submission extends beyond our relationship with God; it also involves our relationships with each other. We must strive to practice respect, humility, and understanding in every relationship we enter. We must recognize the value and worth that each individual holds, regardless of their place in society. We must also be willing to ask questions and to seek out solutions that create more harmony in our relationships. Ultimately, living a life of submission is about recognizing our place in the order of things and living in a way that demonstrates our faithfulness to God.
Power in Submission
Although the idea of submission may seem limiting and disempowering, submission is actually one of the most powerful acts a person can participate in. It requires immense courage and strength to surrender one’s own convictions and to humbly accept another’s perspective, even if it goes against our own. Additionally, submission brings about obedience and respect which can be powerful tools in relationships and can lead to deeper connections.
The practice of submission also requires a great deal of trust and faith in God. We must be willing to surrender our self-will and trust that God will take care of us, no matter what the outcome may be. We must also be willing to be vulnerable and open to the guidance of others. By trusting in God and being open to the wisdom of those around us, we can find strength and power in submission.
Finally, we must recognize that submission is a practice of love. Just as Jesus submitted himself to the will of God, we too are called to submit to the authority of God, our leaders, and each other. In doing so, we can demonstrate our great love for God by recognizing and accepting His sovereignty, and our love for each other by respecting and honoring one another. Ultimately, submission is an act of faith and love that has a powerful impact on our lives and our relationships.
Submission and Relationships
The idea of submission is closely linked to the concept of relationships. By submitting to God’s will and to one another, we accept a responsibility for our actions and for those of the people around us. We must be willing to recognize the value of differing opinions and perspectives and to appreciate the importance of compromise and negotiation. We must strive to seek harmony in our relationships and to view respect as a means of creating strong, healthy connections.
Submission is also closely connected to the idea of respect. We must be willing to accept the value of other’s opinions and to understand that our relationships will be much stronger when we are willing to recognize and appreciate the differences between us. We must strive to view respect as an act of love and to recognize that it will ultimately create a more powerful bond between us.
Ultimately, submission is a key part of our relationships with God and with one another. It allows us to recognize and participate in the beauty and power of our faith, while also showing respect and justice in our relationships. When we are willing to submit to one another we are also demonstrating faith and trust in God, and our commitment to building strong, healthy relationships that are built on love and acceptance.
