Series is a book review and study of Richard Foster’s Book, Celebration of Discipline. All quotes from the book are Foster unless otherwise denoted.
After serving out of the country alongside some incredible people throughout the years, one of the lessons the Lord has continually shown me is the reality of submission in not only my walk with Him, but in the day to day as well. In a society where the word dips with the connotation of a woman playing second fiddle to a man, this is a topic I am not only passionate about, but truly believe that we could all use a bit of refreshing on. Martin Luther puts it so simply when he says “A Christian is perfectly free lord of all, subject to none. A Christian is a perfectly dutiful servant of all, subject to all.” The purpose of the disciplines is freedom. Our aim is the freedom, not the discipline.
So what do we mean when we say the freedom of submission? When we think of submission we often imagine bondage, however it is only submission that can free us sufficiently. It enables us to distinguish between genuine issues and stubborn self will. You see, often times we don’t want others to tell us we need to submit, because we want to be right. We want our plans to be followed. Our dream to be completed. However, it is of little consequence that our plans are frustrated if other plans succeed – misery doesn’t love company. Usually the best way to handle most matters of submission is to say nothing. To cultivate that gentle and quiet spirit we keep talking about. And when we do, we find ourselves bathed in the freedom only submission can bring because we have given up our “right” to be in control.
Liberation from giving up our rights (letting go of control) can manifest itself it a variety of ways.
When we let go, we are able to be free from anger and bitterness.
When we let go, we are not having to repay favors or get vengeance.
When we let go, we have freedom to love our enemies.
When we let go, we are surrendering the right to retaliate.
And in doing so, we learn to live the unnoticed lifestyle. A lifestyle not of glamour or the need for attention. No. The life that points to Christ has little room to boast of ones own achievements. Rather, such a life leads others to a relationship with Him through our forgiveness, mercy, grace, and love.
Previously when we discussed the idea of solitude, and how in it’s inner fulfillment we know that other’s do not control use. We would be wise to remember that we are not in control either. Self-denial is simply a way of coming to understand that we do not have to have our own way. It is not saying that we cannot make choice, should not put forth effort, or have no value. Self-denial is not the same thing as self-contempt however; self-contempt claims we have no worth, but self-denial claims we are of infinite worth. It simply challenges our all too often Western Civilization ideal that our happiness is dependent upon getting what we want. Because, it’s not and the world isn’t a wish-granting factory designed to make our every desire come true. I love how Thomas a Kempis puts it:
“To have no opinion of ourselves, and to think always well and highly of others, is great wisdom and perfection.”
Revolutionary subordination as taught by Jesus is the example of what submission truly looks like. Not the June Cleaver bow down to your husband brand that churches tend to beat young girls over the head about. Jesus showed us how to be a servant leader. To be submissive, and to lead a nation to truth. Leadership is found in becoming the servant of all. True power is discovered in submission. Jesus’ life was the cross life of voluntary submission and service. Jesus death was the cross death of conquest by suffering.
We also see revolutionary subordination as taught by the epistles as well:
Philippians 2:4-7 | 1 Peter 2:21-23 | Ephesians 5:21 | Colossians 3:18-22
We are commanded to live a life of submission because Jesus lived a life of submission, not because we are in a particular place or station in life. We are not called to submit just when we are children to our parents. Or as wives to our husbands. We are called to submit the moment we choose Jesus.
Paul spoke first to the people that his culture said should not even be addressed and called them to the cross life of Jesus. The people who were the lowest paid, least worthy, and least accepted. It is not the only who the world thinks are far from control who need the reminder to submit. If anything, the sting of the teaching falls upon the dominant partner!
Revolutionary subordination commands us to live in submission to human authority until it becomes destructive. Lest we forget that spiritual authority is God-ordained and God-sustained. Both Peter and Paul called for obedience to the pagan state because they understood the great good that resulted from this human institution. ( Acts 5:29 | Romans 13:1 ) We are advised to “be subject for the Lord’s sake to every human institution, whether it be the emperor as supreme, or to governors…” 1 Peter 2:13-14
So how are we to practically practice the discipline of submission? Here are seven ways how:
We are to submit to the triune God.
We are to submit to the scriptures.
We are to submit to our family.
We are to submit to our neighbors and those we meet in the course of our daily lives.
We are to submit to the believing community (body of Christ).
We are to submit to the broken and despised.
We are to submit to the world.
Another great read on submission and mutuality comes from RHE so be sure to read that as well.
What is the most difficult part for you about submission?
To recap all of the spiritual disciplines from Foster’s book, check out the full series: Celebrating the Spiritual Disciplines
