Authentic Kingdom Culture - SubmissionSample

What is submission?

Submission is the voluntary deference of our will or preferences to the will or preferences of another. The keyword is voluntary. Often, we confuse submission with domination. Domination is when someone else imposes their will on us. Domination is the enemy’s modus operandi whereas submission is a kingdom value. Domination is a common feature of world culture where people use their power to force us to yield to their will. This power can be exerted physically, financially, socially, or emotionally. Anytime a husband, parent or church leader uses their power to make others submit, that is not kingdom submission, that is domination and in extreme cases, it is the abuse of power.

Jesus modeled submission in the Garden of Gethsemane when He prayed, “My Father if it be possible, let this cup pass from me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as you will.” Jesus voluntarily gave up his life. The Father did not force Him to do it. Still, it was hard. Very hard. The struggle was so intense that Jesus shed tears of blood!

Let’s be frank; submission is not easy. It was not easy for Jesus and it certainly isn’t easy for us. Yet, Jesus pushed through and so can we. So, how did He do it? Well, Hebrews also says that Jesus did it for the joy set before Him. You see, Jesus’ tears were only half the story. There was also JOY. A joy that waited on the other side of the pain. A joy that made the pain worthwhile. The joy of a Father’s pleasure in His Son. The joy of reconciling millions of brothers and sisters to God. There was a bigger picture that Jesus was aiming for. 

Submission is the practice of going after something bigger than our preferences. It is allowing our ego to die so that we may enter into an amazing joy-filled life in Christ. It is where we live in the Father’s pleasure as He says, “Well done, good and faithful servant… Enter into the joy of your Master.”

Points to pray/journal:

· Has submission been a topic that has been painful for me or that I have avoided altogether? Why?

Declarations:

· Submission is an exchange of small momentary pain for great eternal joy!