Submission
Submission
Submission is an unpopular, repugnant concept these days. The notion of giving away power conjures up images of becoming a doormat, a weak-willed nonentity or a brainwashed cult follower. But this perception is miles away from the biblical model of submission. True biblical submission is not linked solely to hierarchy and roles. It begins in the very center of the Trinity where the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit all mutually honor and defer to each other. Christ’s submission to the Father did not make him less than the Father. It was a way the Son gave glory to the Father. (Philippians 2:5-10 wonderfully depicts the nature of biblical submission.)
Godly submission is rooted in God’s good and loving intentions for each one of us. Submission is not something God forces down our throats—because forcing people to submit is oppression. Therefore, biblical submission does not trap people in abusive relationships that rob them of their freedom. Submission is a way we allow God’s kingdom agenda to shape our choices, relationships and vocations. And it always works in conjunction with our personal freedom.
Scripture makes it clear that God has a plan and knows the best way for people to live. Submission is trusting that God’s instructions concerning this life are good for us. Instructions to forgive, serve and love are not given to abuse us but to set us free to be who we were meant to be.
When Christians are instructed to submit to one another (Ephesians 5:21) they are called into relationships that reflect the Trinity. Each member of the body of Christ contributes to every other. Each part serves every other. Each one has a lead part that no other part can play. Together Christians freely choose to enter the divine dance of love. Steps change with seasons and rhythms. Sometimes submission means giving. Sometimes it means receiving. Sometimes submission means leading and at other times it means following. But in each case there is an element of self-giving.
The Catholic and Orthodox, as well as some Protestant, traditions include hierarchical relationships in which younger believers, or novices, submit to spiritual fathers and mothers. Paul encouraged Timothy to see that more mature believers receive, accept and help younger disciples on their journey. Seasoned saints bring experience, wisdom and perspective to new believers. In all Christian traditions and institutions abuses of power exist. However, this is not a reason to invalidate the good that can come out of relationships where godly submission is practiced. It is, rather, a plea to discern when authority figures misuse their power and influence to harm others. Submission to abusive people is never the biblical model for relationships.
Reflection Questions
- What is your reaction to the word submission?
- What submitting experiences have you had?
- Who is an example of someone who knew how to practice healthy, biblical submission? How has his or her life influenced you?
- Do you have to have a submissive temperament? Why or why not?
- What does it look like for a leader, an activist or an achiever to be submissive?
- If you have questions about the biblical concept of submission, how might you educate yourself on the topic?
Spiritual Exercises
- Arrange a small group discussion on the topic of submission. Ask people to share their positive or negative experiences of submission to each other. How does understanding these experiences inform your understanding of Ephesians 5:21—“Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ”?
- Who today do you submit to in the normal events of your life: boss, teachers, parents, colleagues, friends, spouse? What does healthy submission look like in each of these relationships? Pray for grace in these relationships.
- Consider a character flaw you would like to have transformed in your life. What spiritual discipline might help you cooperate with God in his transforming work? • Willingly practice this discipline for a stipulated period of time. Submit your process to a trusted friend. What is this like for you?
Resources on Submission
Absolute Surrender by Andrew Murray
Life Together by Dietrich Bonhoeffer
Community & Submission by Jan Johnson
