(hupotasso – place under, subject, subordinate)
Ephesians 5:21 Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ.
1 Pet 5:5 Young men, in the same way be submissive to those who are older. All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.”
I’m a natural follower. If someone has a plan, it all looks good and the leader is decent – I’ll go along. It takes a lot less work to follow than it does to lead. So whether this word is about following or obeying, as long as it seems right this one is easy for me. I just set myself under their authority and go for the ride.
I’m not sure we should be able to confuse “easy way” with the word submit. I see most Christ followers doing this quite well – toward a good leader. But ask someone to submit to someone in a “perceived” lesser position that’s when it gets interesting.
Submission in general is easy when we want to place ourselves under the authority of someone we respect. But when we have to submit simply because it’s right then it can become a battle.
Peter starts out by stating the obvious, “submit to the elder.” Check! It’s all good. However, he continues with “submit yourselves to one another.” Skreeeeeeech – HOLD ON THERE – to each other? Then he goes on to talk about humility.
Paul says to do it out of fear of God and Peter says to do it from a position of humility.
As we revere God, as we place ourselves under God… shouldn’t that lead to a proper attitude of humility toward each other?
Or, do we have a mixed up way of thinking about ourselves and others? Do we think some have a higher standing with God than others? Where does that thinking come from?
Do you think maybe it’s time to stop treating each other the way we did on the playground in grade school? Can we let go of the “pecking order” mentality when it comes to submission? Can we surrender to the authority God may give to someone else in our lives?
We honor God and reflect humility and love by submitting LATERALLY as well as vertically! Hey, there’s a thought.
Maybe the next time a new Christian comes up with an idea we can say, “Hey, I like it!” Then actually implement it, or go along with it. How about this? When the church janitor says to you, “Hey, would you clean up after yourself?” We gladly do what he asks with a humble, thankful and submissive heart.
Oh, and by the way, this word “submit” goes way beyond just husbands and wives – it’s for all of us!
Prayer: Father help me keep a holy perspective on the way you run things and help me check my attitude when I need to submit to someone. I’m sure you will have an opportunity for me to practice this word coming up real soon.