Does God Call Us to Submit to Everyone?

Introduction : Does God Call Us to Submit to Everyone?

Submission is a profound concept found throughout Scripture that is often misunderstood or misapplied in the context of faith and daily life. Many believers struggle with the question, “Does God call us to submit to everyone? This issue requires careful examination of biblical teaching, context, and the broader principles of Christian living. In this article, we explore the biblical basis for submission, its limits, and the balance between humility and discernment.

Understanding Biblical Submission

Biblical submission is fundamentally about yielding to God’s will, trusting His sovereignty, and living in harmony with others. The Bible presents submission not as an act of weakness but as a demonstration of strength, humility, and obedience to God.

Key Scriptural References

Ephesians 5:21: “Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ.” This verse emphasizes mutual submission within the body of Christ, rooted in love and respect.
Romans 13:1-2: “Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established.” Here, Paul highlights submission to earthly authorities as a way of honoring God’s ordained order.
1 Peter 2:13-14: “Submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every human authority.” This passage reinforces the principle of submission for the sake of testimony and peace.

These verses demonstrate that submission is central to Christian life, but they also require context to avoid misinterpretation.

Does Submission Mean Submitting to Everyone?

While the Bible calls believers to live humbly and submit in certain circumstances, it does not suggest blind submission to everyone. Submission is always framed within specific contexts, relationships, and God’s overarching principles of justice and truth.

Submission to Authority

Christians are called to respect and submit to governing authorities (Romans 13:1-7), but this submission is not absolute. When earthly authorities contradict God’s commands, believers are called to obey God rather than men.

Example: In Acts 5:29, Peter and the apostles boldly declared, “We must obey God rather than human beings,” when commanded to stop preaching the gospel.

Mutual Submission in Relationships

Ephesians 5:21 urges mutual submission among believers, emphasizing love, humility, and respect. However, this mutual submission is not an invitation to tolerate abuse or harmful behavior. It is a call to serve and uplift one another in Christ-like love.

Submission Within the Family

Ephesians 5:22-25 discusses the relationship between husbands and wives, often misunderstood as one-sided submission. The passage highlights mutual love and sacrifice, reflecting Christ’s love for the Church. Husbands are called to lead with love, and wives to submit with respect, creating a partnership rooted in God’s design.

The Boundaries of Submission

Biblical submission is never intended to endorse injustice, oppression, or sin. God’s Word sets clear boundaries to ensure submission aligns with His character and truth.

Submission Must Align with God’s Will
Christians are not called to submit to actions or systems that contradict God’s commands. Submission is not an excuse for passivity in the face of evil but a call to discernment and righteousness.
- Example: The midwives in Exodus 1 disobeyed Pharaoh’s command to kill Hebrew baby boys, choosing to honor God’s sanctity of life instead.
Submission Is Not Endorsing Abuse
Submission in relationships should never enable abuse or exploitation. The Bible upholds the dignity and worth of every individual, calling for love, respect, and accountability.
Submission Is Guided by Discernment
Christians are called to exercise wisdom and discernment in their interactions with others. Submission does not mean blindly agreeing with every request or demand but seeking God’s guidance in every decision.

Jesus as the Ultimate Example of Submission

Jesus Christ provides the perfect model of submission. His life and ministry exemplify obedience to God’s will and humility in serving others.

Submission to God: In the Garden of Gethsemane, Jesus prayed, “Not my will, but yours be done” (Luke 22:42). His submission to the Father’s plan demonstrates trust and surrender.
Submission in Service: Jesus washed His disciples’ feet, embodying humility and servanthood (John 13:12-17). This act teaches us the value of putting others before ourselves.
Submission in Sacrifice: On the cross, Jesus submitted to death to fulfill God’s redemptive plan, showcasing ultimate love and obedience.

Through His example, Jesus teaches us that submission is not about weakness but about aligning with God’s purposes and serving others with humility.

Practical Applications of Biblical Submission

Living out biblical submission requires balance, wisdom, and a heart aligned with God. Here are some practical ways to apply this principle in daily life:

Submit to God’s Authority
Seek God’s guidance in every aspect of life, trusting His sovereignty and surrendering personal desires to His will.
Practice Mutual Submission
In relationships, prioritize humility, love, and respect. Strive to serve others selflessly and promote unity within the body of Christ.
Discern When to Submit
Use discernment to determine when submission aligns with God’s truth. Stand firm in faith when faced with situations that contradict His commands.
Advocate for Justice
Submission does not mean remaining silent in the face of injustice. Advocate for what is right and stand with the oppressed, reflecting God’s heart for justice and compassion.
Follow Christ’s Example
Emulate Jesus’ humility, obedience, and sacrificial love in all areas of life. Let His example guide your actions and attitudes.

God does call us to practice submission, but this calling is nuanced and rooted in His principles of love, justice, and truth. Submission is not a blanket command to yield to everyone indiscriminately but a call to align with God’s will, respect others, and live in humility.

By following Christ’s example, practicing mutual submission, and exercising discernment, we can honor God in our relationships and interactions. Let us seek His guidance as we navigate the complexities of submission, trusting in His wisdom and grace.

Does God Call Us to Submit to Everyone?