True Submission

As believers we are called to be imitators of Jesus Christ. We are to read the scriptures to understand the character of Jesus Christ and learn to live like he did. One of the ways by which we can imitate Christ is through submission. How do we submit?

By submitting ourselves to our leaders in authority: Submit yourselves for the Lords sake to every authority instituted among men: whether to the king, as the supreme authority, or to governors, who are sent by him to punish those who do wrong and to commend those who do right. – 1 Peter 2:13-14

In life there will always be governors and presidents that we do not like or trust. There will be bills passed that we oppose. There will be taxes we don’t want to pay but we must obey the laws of the land and respect those in authority. When we understand that God sets one up and puts another down, submission is easier to do.

By submitting to our employers or masters in the market place: Slaves, submit yourselves to your masters with all respect, not only to those who are good and considerate, but also to those who are harsh. For it is commendable if a man bears up under the pain of unjust suffering because he is conscious of God. – 1 Peter 2:18-19

We are called by God to work hard for our employers by doing the best with the tasks we have been assigned. Moaning, complaining and griping should not be our mode of conduct as believers. We are not to participate in office gossip or slander.

By submitting in Marriage: Wives in the same way be submissive to your husbands so that, if any of them do not believe the word, they may be won over without words by the behavior of their wives when they see the purity and reverence of your lives. – 1 Peter 3:1-2

Wives must submit to their husband’s authority. Men are called to be the spiritual head of the home and their role requires cooperation and submission from their wives. When we as women submit to our husbands, we can minister to them without using words which can sometimes be interpreted as nagging. Husbands also have a role to play. The scripture goes on to say in 1 Peter 3:7 that “Husbands in the same way be considerate as you live with your wives, and treat them with respect as the weaker partner and as heirs with you of the gracious gift of life, so that nothing will hinder your prayers”. Submission does not mean being a woman must become a doormat nor is it a license for a man to be a tyrant at home. The submission of a woman is a sign of respect to the man and recognizing his headship in the home as the Bible directs.