ORACLES: Lesson 45

One of the reasons adulthood is such a beautiful thing is because it presupposes that we can do what we want, when we want and how we want without permission from anyone. It’s the key to freedom because we can exercise our right to dismiss the directives or desires of another and live completely independent of authority. In fact, most of us were taught to be self-governing and let the heart be the guide for the decisions made in life.

The problem with this way of thinking is it’s contrary to God’s will. He never said that He’s looking for people who focus on their own will. In Truth, He chastised Israel throughout Jeremiah for following the dictates of their own heart (Jeremiah 7:24). He says the way of a fool is right in his own eyes (Proverbs 12:15). Then, as it relates to submission, He says, “obey [y]our leaders and submit to their authority.” (Hebrews 13:17) Additionally, we’re told in Philippians 2:4 to consider the interests of others more than self, and to pray for those in authority over us (1 Timothy 2:2). And while I’m not talking about blind submission, I am talking about submission to others out of reverence for Christ (Ephesians 5:21). God never said follow your heart or let your conscience be your guide, rather, He said to follow Christ. (“To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in His steps.” 1 Peter 2:21)

And, the example we have in Christ is in Philippians 2:5 which reads, “Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, who being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming the in the likeness of men. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even death of the cross.” (NKJ)

Meaning, whether you like it or not, agree or not, with the mind of Christ, we submit. We submit to God, we submit to the laws of the land, as women, we submit to our husbands, we submit to our boss/supervisor, and we submit to one another. To that end, being submitted is to serve another.

And when you imitate His example in submission, you set yourself up to lead (Mark 9:33-35), and you become like He was, offering and a sacrifice for a sweet-smelling aroma to God (Ephesians 5:1-2). And that should be worth the sacrifice!