Submission is a central theme in the Christian faith, reflecting a believer's relationship with God, authority, and one another. The concept of submission is woven throughout the Scriptures, emphasizing humility, obedience, and reverence as key virtues in the life of a Christian.

Submission to God

The Bible consistently calls believers to submit to God as an act of worship and obedience. James 4:7 instructs, "Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you." This submission is not merely a passive acceptance but an active alignment of one's will with God's purposes. It involves trusting in God's sovereignty and wisdom, acknowledging His authority over all aspects of life.

Submission to Authority

Scripture also addresses the importance of submitting to earthly authorities. Romans 13:1-2 states, "Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which is from God. The authorities that exist have been appointed by God. Consequently, whoever resists authority is opposing what God has set in place, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves." This passage underscores the belief that all authority is established by God, and submission to it is an expression of submission to God Himself.

Submission in the Family

The family unit is another area where submission is emphasized. Ephesians 5:22-24 instructs, "Wives, submit to your husbands as 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 submission is not about inferiority but about order and mutual respect within the family, reflecting the relationship between Christ and the Church.

Mutual Submission Among Believers

The New Testament also highlights the principle of mutual submission among believers. Ephesians 5:21 exhorts, "Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ." This mutual submission is rooted in love and humility, recognizing the value and dignity of each member of the body of Christ. It fosters unity and harmony within the church, as believers serve one another selflessly.

Submission and Humility

Submission is closely linked to humility, a virtue highly esteemed in Scripture. Philippians 2:3-4 encourages believers, "Do nothing out of selfish ambition or empty pride, but in humility consider others more important than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others." This attitude of humility is essential for genuine submission, as it places others' needs above one's own desires.

Submission and Suffering

The Bible also addresses submission in the context of suffering. 1 Peter 2:21-23 points to Christ as the ultimate example: "For to this you were called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in His footsteps. He committed no sin, and no deceit was found in His mouth. When they heaped abuse on Him, He did not retaliate; when He suffered, He made no threats, but entrusted Himself to Him who judges justly." Believers are called to endure suffering with patience and trust in God's justice, following Christ's example of submission even in the face of injustice.

Conclusion

The importance of submission in the Christian life cannot be overstated. It is a reflection of one's relationship with God, a demonstration of humility, and a means of fostering unity and peace within the community of believers. Through submission, Christians are called to live lives that honor God and reflect the character of Christ.