Authentic Kingdom Culture - SubmissionÀpẹrẹ

Submission is a personal choice.

Since submission is ultimately onto God, it is not dependent on the other person’s behavior. It is a personal choice to seek the interests of the other person above our own, regardless of whether or not they reciprocate. It is important not to make submission conditional on the other person. Have you ever heard a wife say, “I will submit when he loves me like Christ?” or maybe a husband says, “I will love her when she submits to me as the head of the home?” This is not the attitude of Christ who gave Himself even for those who crucified Him.

When we read Colossians, it is perhaps best to focus only on the parts that are addressed to us. For example, husbands should focus on the part that addresses them – to love their wives – and not try to evaluate whether the wife is doing her part. Similarly, wives should focus on the part that addresses them – to submit to their husbands – and not focus on evaluating how well the husband is doing his part. In fact, let us re-read the passage in Colossians now and underline only the parts that apply to us personally.

Let us also examine verses 23 to 25 more closely. These verses actually develop this idea further. It says (ESV):

Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ. For the wrongdoer will be paid back for the wrong he has done, and there is no partiality.

What is highlighted here is the fact that we may find ourselves in a situation in which we are being treated unfairly yet we are still called to seek the best interest of the wrongdoer. We do it as service onto the Lord knowing that He will deal justly with the person because He is impartial and just and sees all. We will receive our reward if we persevere in doing good and the wrongdoer will also receive his/her reward in God’s perfect timing.

Points to pray/journal:

· Have I viewed submission as a personal choice on my part or something to be earned by the other party?

Declarations:

· It is my Christly calling to bless those who curse me and repay good for evil!