“Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ.”
Ephesians 5:21 (NIV)
These days, the word “submission” can take on a very negative connotation. It is sometimes understood as “being a doormat” or “being treated as less than another” or “endless and unrewarding servitude”. We have been culturally programmed to see submission as a negative thing – and that’s a deception. None of the abovementioned reflects the biblical meaning of the word. Let’s begin to explore the true biblical meaning today as we seek to renew our minds on the subject of submission.
What is Submission?
The prefix “sub-” in the original Latin means “under, close to” and the word “mission” means “an important assignment given to a person or group of people”. In its simplest form then, the word “submission” truly means “to come under or close to an important assignment”. So what mission are we coming under? The one set out by Christ as set out in Matthew 28:18-20, also known as The Great Commission, which says:
18 Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
Matthew 28:18-20 (NIV)
As Christians, married or unmarried, this is our mission – to make disciples and teach them how to obey the commands of God. How does that have anything to do with your marriage? Well, as image-bearers of Christ, how we operate in every aspect of our lives matters, our marriage is no exception. Our marriage should show others how to love God and each other well.
Think about working for a company. You have decided to take this job after you realized that the vision and the mission of the company are things you believe in. You have now signed the contract and have therefore joined a group of persons who are all working towards accomplishing this important assignment. You are under the mission. Everything that you do from here on, now reflects on the company as well. When someone sees you, even outside of your office, they may refer to you as “Jackie from Company X”. Do you give more thought to your behaviour now?
Likewise, as Christians, others look on and see “Dave, the Christian”. Are they seeing a person on mission? Are they seeing Christ when they look at you and your marriage? Or are you proclaiming Christianity but living with your spouse in a hateful or selfish way? When you came into the Kingdom of God, you agreed to a mission, one which is not to be taken lightly. Think on this – is your life embodying the mission of Christ or do you need to make some intentional effort in that area?
Submit One to Another
One of the most popular verses on submission is Ephesians 5:22, which is usually only partially quoted as “Wives, submit yourselves to your husbands”. (Don’t miss that the rest of that very verse says “…as you do unto the Lord”, but we’ll get into that in another article). Before all of that though, in verse 21, Paul says “Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ”. What? It really says that? Yes, it really does. Go read it for yourself. But what does that mean? Firstly, our reverence (deep respect and awe) for Christ is paramount. Flowing from that is a humility and willingness to be held accountable to the things of Christ.
As a husband, this means being willing to be lovingly corrected by your wife when you are out of alignment and as a wife, the same remains true. The mission of Christ remains the focus – not our pride nor our culturally puffed up image of self. 2 Timothy 3:16-17 says:
“All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.”
2 Timothy 3:16-17 (NIV)
On this journey of becoming “thoroughly equipped for every good work”, we need people to walk alongside us and to help us remain on mission. In His wisdom, God designed marriage which provides us with lifelong accountability partners. Your spouse is the person who sees your ups and downs, who knows you at your lowest and your highest moments and usually sees the best and worst sides of you, and everything in between. Who better to help you work through the challenges and to keep you accountable to the mission, using Scripture as their guide?
There is much more to unpack on the subject of submission but for now, consider this:
Do you have a biblical concept of submission?
Be honest with yourself here. Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal any wrong beliefs you may have in this area and then seek His help to correct them so that your life and marriage can be aligned with the mission of Christ.
Blessings,
The Macks