Submission: Yielding Our Rights to God and Others

Submission is the voluntary forgoing of our rights and desires as we place ourselves under the God-given authority of another. Far from signalling inferiority, it is the humble attitude that produces unity, cooperation and harmony in the home, the church and the wider world.

Understanding Submission

Submission is forgoing our rights and desires by voluntarily putting ourselves under the partial or superficial control and authority of another, as opposed to surrender which is coming under the total domination of the conqueror. At salvation we should give unquestioning allegiance to God in full surrender. This is outworked in ongoing submission to Christ and limited compliance with our fellow humans – with humility and grace this leads to unity and cooperation by working together in harmony.

Is He my Lord?

Submission is strength under control – yielding for the common good. Like a broken-in horse that responds to the reins, the strong person places their abilities, rights and preferences under the bridle of self-control and works them for the benefit of others (Prov 25:28; Gal 5:22-23). It takes far more strength of character to yield graciously and put others first than to insist on one's own way (Prov 16:32). Moses was very meek, yet he led a nation; Jesus was 'gentle and humble in heart', yet He holds all authority in heaven and earth (Num 12:3; Mt 11:29, 28:18). Strength under control builds up, and God delights to entrust it with greater responsibility (Mt 25:21).

Submission should be at the core of our relationship with God, a continual 'present tense' offering of ourselves to Him as living sacrifices, reflected in our behaviour (Rom 12:1; Jas 4:7). Through the new birth we yield to His Lordship and Word, with ongoing obedience to please Him (Lk 6:46, 14:27). It is outworked towards one another for the smooth running of home, church, business and nation: the husband is to submit to Christ, and the wife to her husband (Lk 22:42; Rom 12:10; 1 Cor 11:2-3; Eph 5:21-24; 1 Pet 2:13-17, 3:1-7, 5:5). The husband is tasked with loving his wife; the wife's responsibility is to submit – God's plan for the family, and we are answerable to Him.

Submission is not blind allegiance to what is not right, lawful or God-honouring, nor permission for others to control or dominate us. It is a loving, considered response that does not violate Scripture, conscience or common sense, recognising that God, the highest authority, is always to be obeyed (Ex 20:3; Dan 3:16-18; Mt 22:37-39; Act 4:18-20, 5:27-29). Nor is it apathy or abuse. Instead it reflects the servant attitude of Christ, to whom we have first submitted ourselves, then 'follow in His steps' (1 Cor 10:24; 2 Cor 8:5; Phil 2:5-8; 1 Pet 2:21-23).

Do I recognise the strengths of those who forgo their rights in the interests of 'the greater good'?

Every human authority is delegated and limited, sitting beneath God and His Word (Dan 1:8, 6:10). Refusing an ungodly demand is therefore not rebellion, for true submission is given willingly, not extracted by force, and in every biblical example it remained courteous and non-violent. Nor does biblical submission require us to endorse wrongdoing or remain silent about abuse; it is exercised through godly channels – truthful, gracious appeal (Dan 4:19; 1 Pet 3:15-16), legitimate complaint and, where necessary, patient endurance of unjust suffering, which is commendable before God (1 Pet 2:19-20). Even Jesus, when struck by an official, challenged the injustice while committing Himself to the One who judges rightly (Jn 18:22-23; 1 Pet 2:23). Submission, then, is disciplined discernment: yielding willingly wherever conscience and Scripture permit, and standing graciously but firmly when they do not.

Christ, Our Model of Submission

Throughout His earthly life Jesus displayed submission, saying and doing only what God wanted, serving all, washing the disciples' feet, and becoming 'obedient to death' (Jn 5:19, 13:15). Knowing the agony that awaited Him, He was prepared to accept it – 'yet your will be done, not mine' – and His prayers were heard because of His fervent petition to the Father (Mt 26:39; Heb 5:7-8). His prayer was not literally answered, but an angel strengthened Him: help in the situation, not removal of it, as He gave up His rights, status and power by submitting to death to save us (Isa 53:7; Lk 22:43).

Jesus submitted to God's plan

The world's way of pride, control and manipulation – measuring status by being answerable to as few people as possible – contrasts with God's way of humble submission and servanthood, where the greatest is the one who serves (Mk 9:35, 10:43-45). This free choice is motivated by love, faith and hope, self-sacrificing in the present by trusting God and putting others first (Rom 15:1-2). Jesus said, 'If you want to be my disciple, deny yourself and take up your cross and follow me' (Mk 8:34). Just as 'the sinful mind...does not submit to God's law', neither should Christians be dictated to by the world's corruption and temptations (Rom 8:7; Col 2:20; Jas 1:14-15).

Practicing Submission

Submission is outworked in obedience to His Word, in love to family, service to neighbours and responsibility to the wider community, by praying for and obeying the governing authorities, who are His delegated agents (Mk 10:42; Rom 13:1-7; 1 Tim 2:1-2; Tit 3:1; Heb 13:17). Where such authority oversteps its God-given bounds, the principles already outlined apply: first seek a compromise or ask God to intervene miraculously, and if neither comes, declare loyalty to the ultimate Master, remembering that disobedience of either God or human authority carries consequences (Dan 3:17-18; Heb 11:32-40).

We are to be subject to one another 'out of reverence to Christ', counting others better than ourselves (Eph 5:21; Phil 2:3). This involves going beyond the call of duty, treating others as we wish to be treated, and, without pride, acknowledging we are only doing what we should (Mt 5:41; Lk 6:31, 17:10). When things don't go our way, be joyful that you are subject to character-forming experiences (Jas 1:2). Mary submitted herself to God's plans – 'Be it unto me according to your Word' – and later encouraged others to 'Do what He tells you to do' (Lk 1:38; Jn 2:5).

Putting our beliefs to the test

Though given major responsibilities, Joseph remained a slave, yet his submissive, godly life positively affected Egypt and beyond (Gen 39:1-6, 41:40-41, 50:20). Those who submit to authority are empowered by it, as the Roman centurion recognised: 'I myself am a man under authority' (Mt 8:5-13). Likewise, as we obey the Lord we are given authority to use His name to fulfil His work (Mk 16:17-18). The disciples said, 'Even the demons submit to us in your name' (Lk 10:17-20) – evil beings recognising their obligation to 'bow before' the supreme ruler of heaven and earth.

Forgoing our independence is not a loss of personhood but a release from the exhausting burden of self-reliance: like Jesus, who did nothing of Himself, we trade independence for God-dependence, and 'God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble' (Jn 5:19,30; Jas 4:6).

A lack of submission is a major cause of relational and marriage tension when both spouses are strong-willed. How often, when we don't get what we wish, do we protest 'Why me, it's not fair, where are you, God?' Godly submission recognises our dependence on others and surrenders our independence, knowing this was Satan's downfall.

Submission 'oils the wheels' of relationship. Where can I apply some oil today?

He urged Adam and Eve to do likewise, tried to tempt Jesus and will continually try to entice our rebellious hearts (Gen 3:1-7, 6:5; Isa 14:13; Mt 4:1-11; Rom 14:7; 1 Cor 11:11).

We are all slaves in submission to someone or something – God and His Kingdom, a destructive habit, another person, or selfishness. As each 'master' rewards the allegiance given to them, choose wisely who you will serve (Rom 6:12-23; 2 Cor 5:10; Gal 6:7-8; 2 Pet 2:19). Why not pray now, 'Lord help my hard, sinful self to yield to your liberating, life-giving Spirit'. Submission is the heart attitude of 'not my will but yours... if what I'm asking is not a good gift or the time is not right, it's not a problem – I'll go your way'.

Reflection and Application

Identify the authorities God has placed over you – at home, work, church and in government – and ask Him for grace to honour them without resentment.
When your rights are overlooked this week, choose a willing, servant-hearted response rather than protest.
Ask daily, 'Where can I "oil the wheels" of a strained relationship by yielding first?'
Pray, 'Not my will, but Yours', naming one specific area where you have been resisting God.