Dear Church,
Submission is not a word our culture celebrates, yet it remains a vital part of faithful Christian living. Scripture does not present submission as weakness or inferiority, but as a deliberate act of trust in God’s order and wisdom. When properly understood, submission reflects the heart of Christ Himself.
Paul writes in Ephesians 5:21, “and be subject to one another in the fear of Christ”. Notice that submission is not one sided. It is a mutual posture shaped by reverence for the Lord. Christians are called to lay aside pride, self-promotion, and the constant desire to win every disagreement. Instead, we seek unity, humility, and peace within the body.
James reminds us, “Submit therefore to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you” (James 4:7). Before we talk about submitting to one another, we must first learn to submit to God’s will. True submission begins when we trust His Word more than our preferences. When the Lord speaks through Scripture, our role is not to negotiate, but to respond with obedience.
Submission also shapes our relationships within the congregation. Hebrews 13:17 teaches, “Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they keep watch over your souls as those who will give an account”. This passage does not encourage blind loyalty, but it does call for respect toward those who labor in shepherding the church. A spirit of constant resistance weakens the unity God desires.
Peter adds, “You younger men, likewise, be subject to your elders; and all of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another” (1 Peter 5:5). Submission is ultimately about humility. It is choosing Christlike character over personal pride.
Submission is not about losing your voice. It is about aligning our hearts with God’s purposes. When we learn to submit to Him and to one another in love, we reflect the character of Jesus and strengthen the fellowship He purchased with His blood.