How should one practice submission according to the Bible?

Definition of Submission

Submission, in Scriptural terms, involves willingly placing oneself under the authority, guidance, or leadership of another in a spirit of humility and respect. It is not forced servitude, but a response that aligns one’s heart and actions with God’s will. One key passage reads, “Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ” (Ephesians 5:21). This text highlights the mutual nature of submission among believers, rooted in honoring Christ rather than in human dominance.

While misunderstandings arise when submission is confused with a loss of identity or self-worth, the Bible portrays it as a purposeful, dignified, and even Christlike practice—since Scripture teaches that Jesus Himself showed the highest form of submission (Philippians 2:5–8).

Biblical Basis for Submission

The Scriptural call to submission permeates various realms: personal relationships, church structure, and broader societal frameworks. For instance:

• Submission to God: James 4:7 says, “Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” Submission here means surrendering one’s will and desires to God’s loving authority.

• Submission to Governing Authorities: 1 Peter 2:13 instructs, “Submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every human institution...” The reason is to promote peace and demonstrate respect for God’s order, even amid flawed human institutions.

• Submission in the Christian Community: Ephesians 5:21 again underscores “submitting to one another in the fear of Christ.” This manifests in mutual service rather than competition.

• Submission in Family Life: Colossians 3:18–20 outlines relationships within the home, encouraging wives to submit to their husbands “as is fitting in the Lord,” husbands to love their wives, and children to obey their parents. Each role upholds a spirit of humility and Christlike love.

From Genesis through Revelation, the theme remains consistent: believers honor God by placing themselves under His appointed structures. The reliability of these instructions has been preserved in the ancient manuscripts—confirmed by historical discoveries such as the Dead Sea Scrolls and the meticulous compilation of New Testament documents, lending credibility and consistency to the teaching of biblical submission.

Jesus as the Ultimate Example

Jesus Christ modeled perfect submission throughout His earthly life. He said, “I have come down from heaven not to do My own will but the will of Him who sent Me” (John 6:38). This submission was realized supremely in the Garden of Gethsemane (Luke 22:42), where He prayed, “Not My will, but Yours be done.”

His obedience, culminating at the cross and confirmed by His resurrection, stands as the definitive demonstration of what true submission entails: love, humility, and service—even unto death. This act reshaped humanity’s relationship with God, teaching that submission can lead to ultimate freedom rather than bondage.

Submission in the Family

1. Husbands and Wives: Ephesians 5:22–25 calls wives to “submit to your own husbands as to the Lord,” while husbands are charged to “love your wives, just as Christ loved the church.” Submission becomes mutual when each spouse focuses on fulfilling responsibilities in sacrificial love. This structure fosters harmony, serving as a reflection of the loving relationship between Christ and the Church.

2. Parents and Children: Ephesians 6:1 says, “Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right.” The concept of submission here implies respect for parental guidance, grounded in the wisdom parents impart. Parents, in turn, should nurture children in righteousness, not provoking them to anger (Ephesians 6:4).

Submission to Governing Authorities

Though humans administer flawed systems, believers are encouraged to respect legitimate laws and structures. Romans 13:1 teaches, “Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities.” Seeking to live peaceably under those in authority reflects an orderly, God-centered life, as long as these authorities do not demand disobedience to God.

In biblical narrative, figures like Daniel (Daniel 6) exemplify respectful civil submission while maintaining ultimate faithfulness to God. His life underscores that while believers respect human authority, they must not compromise on divine commandments.

Submission in Church Leadership

Within church settings, elders and pastors carry responsibility for teaching, guiding, and safeguarding the community. Hebrews 13:17 urges believers to “obey your leaders and submit to them, for they keep watch over your souls.” Submission in this context involves recognizing the spiritual responsibility placed upon church leaders and cooperating with them for the good of the congregation.

At the same time, spiritual leaders are accountable to God (James 3:1). Their authority is not for personal gain but for service and the building up of the Body of Christ.

Practical Steps and Attitudes for Biblical Submission

1. Examine Motives: Pray for humility and discernment. Submission grounded in genuine love for God and others will help guard against mere outward conformity.

2. Seek Wisdom in the Word: Consistent study of Scripture, such as daily reading and meditation, keeps one aligned with God’s heart. Psalm 119:105 says, “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.”

3. Foster a Teachable Spirit: Open communication, willingness to learn, and counsel from mature believers promotes a healthy environment of submission.

4. Rely on the Holy Spirit: The Holy Spirit empowers believers to live out biblical submission, granting patience, self-control, and genuine joy as fruits of a surrendered life (Galatians 5:22–23).

Common Misconceptions

1. Submission Equals Inferiority: Scripture paints submission as an act of profound dignity that honors God. It does not negate personal value but affirms God’s design for order and responsibility.

2. Submission Is Blind Acceptance of Harm: Acts 5:29 demonstrates that obedience to God’s higher law must trump obedience to human authority if conflict arises. Believers seek godly counsel, employing wisdom to address any form of abuse rather than submitting to sin.

3. Submission Eliminates Free Will: Biblical submission is always presented as a choice, a voluntary act of the will in line with God’s purposes. This choice is how love is manifested and relationships flourish.

Encouragement and Conclusion

Practicing submission according to Scripture serves a greater purpose: it reflects the character of Christ and the order established by God. Far from suppressing individuality, submission biblically practiced nurtures unity, respect, and humility in families, churches, and societies. When done rightly, it becomes an act of faith that glorifies the One who submitted His life for humankind.

“Therefore, as God’s chosen ones…” believers are encouraged to “put on compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience,” bearing with one another and forgiving each other (Colossians 3:12–13). In the context of submission, these virtues illuminate how it can be lived out daily, fostering peace and unity among all who walk in the light of God’s Word.