Submission to God’s Word

By R. W. McAlister

    Webster defines “submission” as, “yielding to another” or, “giving in to another.” Submission also has something to do with authority – not the position of authority, but the exercise of authority. Submission is humble and obedience to authority. It isn’t being a door mat, or being a weakling. It’s inward control that expresses itself outwardly.
    Spiritually speaking, submission is “subordination to God’s authority principle.” Paul wrote to the Corinthians, “I would have you know, that the head of every man is Christ; and the head of the woman is the man; and the head of Christ is God” (I Cor. 11:3).
    Submission to God is where it must start. James wrote, “Submit yourselves therefore to God” (Jas. 4:7), and Paul told the Ephesians, “Submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of God” (Eph. 5:21).
    Isn’t it amazing that most people will accept some rule book written by men over the rule book written by God? Countless millions profess to believe in God and the Bible and then they put their faith and trust into man-made creeds – they won’t submit to God! It’s truly amazing that these people either can’t or don’t desire to see the error in their reasoning. The Scriptures plainly declare (II Tim. 3:16-17), “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.”
    The players on a sports team must conform to the rules that govern that sport. The rule book does not conform to the player’s wishes.
    The same thing is true in regard to God’s Holy Word. The Bible does not conform to the thoughts and wishes of men, but men must conform to the Word of God (Rom. 12:2). No one will save his soul or enjoy God’s blessings by refusing to submit to the Holy Scriptures. Man must accept the truth that his thoughts are not God’s thoughts and his ways are not God’s ways (Isa. 55:8).
    Dear Reader, it’s essential that we respect the Scriptures and live by them. Our eternal destination depends on it.

- R. W. McAlister preaches for the Anna Church of Christ in Anna, IL.He may be contacted through the congregation's website: http://www.annachurchofchrist.com/