strength to submit
"Be submissive to one another out of fear of Christ." —Ephesians 5:21, our translation
In God's word, we're commanded to be submissive to one another because of our reverence for Christ (Eph 5:21). Wives should lead the way by being "submissive to their husbands as if to the Lord" (Eph 5:22). Submission is a way of life for a Christian. Many people have difficulty with the Bible's command to be submissive because they don't understand what submission means. Submission is supporting and obeying a person in authority over us. It means neither support alone nor obedience alone. It means both.
Submission is never supporting and obeying in anything immoral. We must be submissive to God before man (see Acts 5:29). Submission is easy when we agree with the person in authority. But it's hard when we don't agree, when we think what they're calling us to obey is stupid. Submission in situations of perceived stupidity is a great act of faith. By submitting, we're trusting that God is bigger than our circumstances and that He will make all things work together for good for those who love Him (Rm 8:28).
Submission is not a sign of weakness but of strong faith. Submission is sharing in the strength of Jesus on Calvary.
Prayer: Father, strengthen me into submission.
Promise: God's kingdom "is like yeast which a woman took to knead into three measures of flour until the whole mass of dough began to rise." —Lk 13:21
Praise: Maria and her husband submit to the authority of the Church in regard to its teachings on artificial birth control.
Reference: (Presentation Ministries' retreats are structured to inform, enlighten, and equip you with the word of God and the authority of the Church to fulfill your baptismal commission: "Go make disciples of all nations." Call 513-373-2397 or 937-587-5464 for information on upcoming retreats, and receive the strength to submit to the Lord's will.)
Rescript: †Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, April 6, 2010
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