Submission

Scripture:
Ephesians 5:21 (NIV)

Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ.

Devotional:

What comes to your mind when think about submission?  As defined by Merriam-Webster’s dictionary online, “To yield oneself to the authority or will of another.”  Society would have us believe to submit to someone makes us inferior.  When we submit we are saying they are greater than we are.  Society would have us believe it is not good to submit to anyone.  We must be in control.  We control our own destiny.  We control our own lives.  Growing up I couldn’t wait to be an adult.  I could do what I want, when I want, and how I wanted.  I didn’t have to submit to anyone…

Ephesians 5:21 would tell us a different story.  We are to submit to one another.  This verse really applies to any and all relationships, not just marriages.  Even though this verse is aimed at couples its value has merit for any relationship.  I also believe this one verse goes long way to healing a marriage, and any relationship.  It doesn’t mean it will be easy, and it definitely isn’t the only ingredient needed.  However, for this devotional thought I do have a couple of thoughts to consider about submission.  First of all I think we all agree that it is important to submit our lives to Christ.  We are giving ourselves to Him.  We are allowing Him to be Lord of our lives.  With that thought in mind when we do submit ourselves to others we must do so as if we are submitting to Christ.  For we are not only submitting ourselves to another, we are submitting ourselves to Christ.  Secondly, when we submit to others we change our focus.  It no longer becomes about me, but about them.  We go from being self centered to being unselfish.  With the shift in focus we become more concerned with the wants and needs of others.  We are putting someone else, voluntarily, before ourselves

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It really doesn’t matter what the other person thinks, says or does.  It really doesn’t matter what society thinks.  Despite any relationship issues you are having, submit.  In your relationship you may feel you cannot stand the other person.  Maybe you are angry or feeling that they don’t deserve it.  Maybe you feel that they are in the wrong and need to act first.  Bottom line is none of it matters.  When you submit to them you are submitting to Christ.  If you claim to be a Christian, a follower of Christ, you willingly submit yourself to Jesus.  Even though you do not want to, and it can be difficult, it is important that you change your perspective and attitude.  By submitting yourself to someone else, you are submitting to Christ.  Nothing else matters.  It doesn’t matter what they think, say, or do.  It really doesn’t even matter if they appreciate it, or change their hearts.  You are doing what Christ calls you to do.  You never know, you just might be surprised at the outcome.  It may not happen at first, but eventually you can win them over.  Put someone else first.  Place their needs over yours.  Submit yourself out of reverence for Christ…

Reference

Merriam-Webster Dictionary, submit, retrieved 08-20-2012 from http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/submission