Likewise you younger people, submit yourselves to your elders. Yes, all of you be submissive to one another, and be clothed with humility, for “GOD RESISTS THE PROUD, BUT GIVES GRACE TO THE HUMBLE.” Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time, casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you.
1 Peter 5:5-7 NKJV
Obey those who rule over you, and be submissive, for they watch out for your souls, as those who must give account. Let them do so with joy and not with grief, for that would be unprofitable for you.
Hebrews 13:17 NKJV
New Testament Christian submission is an attitude of the heart characterized by a meek and quiet spirit which avoids contention and rebellion. (1 Peter 3:4) It maintains obedience to the Lord out of reverence for Him and is to characterize the believer in his or her interaction with every person. When obedience to God comes into conflict with the demands of other authorities, the submissive person may well disobey, but they do so with respect and humility. Think of Daniel when he respectfully asked to be exempted from eating unclean animals or meat offered to idols (Daniel 1:8-16). Remember Peter and John when they were ordered to cease preaching and teaching in the Name of Jesus (Acts 4:16-22).
As a believer, submitting to authority is to willingly surrender my plans, desires, and preferences to the furtherance of a higher cause, the Kingdom of God. I find my place and submit myself to those God has set over me in order to glorify Him and advance His work. By the grace of God I am able to defer to the needs of others rather than demanding my own way. New Testament submission is not domination, but cooperation to further the plan and rule of God. Through the leading of the Spirit and taking care to find leaders of good character, I can place myself confidently in a position that will bring great blessing in my spiritual walk.
We need each other to live this life. Let’s go to church!
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