blessed submission
"As the Church submits to Christ, so wives should submit to their husbands in everything." —Ephesians 5:24
This Scripture passage is among the most misunderstood in the Bible. Submission is a dirty word in our contemporary culture. In the Bible, however, submission is highly valued. It is Jesus' position on the cross. Submission is the way of redemption and the power of God. It is not a position of weakness, rather it is one of supernatural strength. Submission is not passivity; it is an active, loving obedience even in disagreement.
We must submit to the Lord, His word, and His Church (Eph 5:21). We must be submissive to pastors, parents, husbands, governments, and leaders (Eph 5:21). If authorities contradict one another, we submit to the higher authority. For example, if the government contradicts the Bible, we obey the Bible and disobey the government. Most of the time, however, authorities will not contradict themselves, but will contradict us. In this case, we submit to them, deny our selves, take up the cross, and follow in Jesus' footsteps (Lk 9:23).
Prayer: Father, give me the strength to accept the privilege of submission.
Promise: "As for me and my household, we will serve the Lord." —Jos 24:15
Praise: Praise Jesus, Whose submission to the Father's will bought us our freedom.
Reference: (For a related teaching, order our leaflet Obedience School or on tape titled Obeying God on audio AV 62-3 or video V-62.)
Rescript: †Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, February 11, 2009
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