Submission

Article by Amy Ng

A Christian is a perfectly free lord of all, subject to none. A Christian is a perfectly dutiful servant of all, subject to all. – Martin Luther

The word ‘submission’ and the ideas that flow from it bring out various reactions, ideas, emotion for different people depending on their life experience, mindset and culture. Richard Foster (in his book ‘Celebration of Disciplines’) notes that “Most of us have been exposed to such a mutilated form of biblical submission that either we have embraced the deformity or we have rejected the Discipline altogether.” Still, there are others that truly believe in the necessity and amazing value of biblical submission and the fruits that come forth and thus practise this discipline faithfully.

The discipline of submission ultimately refers to our submission and obedience to God and our heart attitude of being surrendered toward God, His Word. Out of that position, we are to give preference to one another and to have mutual submission in our relationships with others. Indeed, we are called to submit to one another out of reverence for Christ (Ephesians 5:21, 1 Peter 5:5).

Jesus said that who ever desires to follow Him, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Him (Mark 8:34). This may seem incredulous to some but the fact is that through self-denial we will find self-actualisation and self-fulfillment. Submission is not about losing our identity or being a door-mat, a people please, emotional dependent or a manipulator. Self-denial is not self-hatred or self-contempt. ‘Self-denial declares that we are of infinite worth. .. self-denial means the freedom to give way to others and to hold other’s interests above our interest.’ (Mark 8:35 - For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me and for the gospel will save it).

Though most of us may wholly agree or embrace the principle and concept of biblical submission, I think the challenge lies in how to live it out in a way that pleases the heart of God and a blessing to others.

Absolute submission and surrender to God is seen in the life of Jesus. Jesus Christ humbled Himself and obeyed God even to death on the cross and suffered unimaginable pain and horror to redeem humankind to Himself. Indeed God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. There is awesome power in the very act of biblical submission and Jesus has set an example for us to live a life that matters. Submission and love goes hand in hand. Submission without love will ultimately lead to legalism and even perhaps an unbiblical form of subordination.

Indeed, my submission is first of all to God (which includes His Word and His Holy Spirit) and only from there, all other submission flow e.g. submission to my family, leaders and pastors, the state and authorities and one another.

The purpose of submission is freedom and not to fetter or limit us. Ultimately, by practising this discipline in a biblical way, we will experience freedom. Fosters said that ‘It is the ability to lay down the terrible burden of always needing to get our own way. The obsession to demand that things go the way we want them to go is one of the greatest bondages in human society today.... in the discipline of submission we are released to drop the matter, to forget it. Frankly, most things in life are not nearly as important as we think they are... only submission can free us sufficiently to enable us to distinguish between genuine issues and stubborn self-will.’

Besides experiencing freedom, Foster also suggest that ‘in submission we are at last free to value other people.” The biblical teaching on submission focuses primarily on the spirit with which we view other people – an inner attitude of mutual subordination, a spirit of consideration and respect that we have for one another’ (One also needs to be aware that submission to human leadership/institution is not absolute and where it becomes destructive, that is where submission ends).

Thus, in submission and self-denial (live out and practice in biblical way), one is able to let go and overcome the sinfulness and ugliness of self-interest or self-centeredness. I believe one of the most crucial first steps to address issues and problems encountered in relationships (whether in marriage or any relationships) which would lead to lasting healing and restoration in a meaningful manner is when one is able to submit and give preference to one another, let go of their own self ambition and self-interest and love one another unconditionally. Indeed there is liberation to the soul when one gives up one’s right for the betterment of another and when done with the right motivation and intention. Contrary to what many believe, the way to self-fulfillment is through self-denial. Is it possible for one to surrender to God wholly and also to one another?

God does not ask us to give the perfect surrender in our own strength or by the power of our will; God is willing to work it in us and by His grace we are empowered to live as He purposed. Indeed, it is God that work in us, both to will and to do of His good pleasure.

The hymn below by George Matheson provides a wonderful picture of fulfilment through submission:

Make me a captive, Lord,
And then I shall be free;
Force me to render up my sword,
And I shall conqueror be.
I sink in life’s alarms
When by myself I stand;
Imprison me within Thine arms,
And strong shall be my hand


N.B. Submission being one of Christian disciplines is a means to bring us closer to God and to be transformed step by step to be Christ-like. In and of themselves, disciplines (whether it pertains to fasting, prayer, submission and the likes) are of no value whatsoever. They have value only as a means of setting us before God so that He can do His good work in us. Thus, we will do well to remember that disciplines are merely the means and not the answer in order to avoid falling into the pitfall of legalism and bondage. Our focus and adoration should forever centre on Jesus Christ and Him alone.

Excerpts taken from R Foster’s book: Celebration of Discipline