But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. Peacemakers who sow in peace raise a harvest of righteousness. James 3:17-18 | NIV84

As you mature spiritually, there are certain traits that should become more evident in your life. Humility, peacefulness, and loving are a few, but submissiveness is one not often talked about. Living in a world where everyone is so concerned about their rights being violated and how they are entitled to be treated a certain way, submissiveness seems, well, outdated or old-fashioned.

Google defines the word submissive as “ready to conform to the authority or to the will of others; meekly obedient or passive”. Even the definition sounds kind of lowly and in a culture in which the world cultivates, no one is begging to be more submissive. It is rather, they are begging to be on top and to be well respected… and such things are happening among God’s people. This should not be.

Being submissive to the Lord and to those around you demonstrates a strong character deep within your soul and it demonstrates very clearly just how much you actually trust the Lord to take care of you. Do you know that there are some things that come about that are not necessary “good” by the world’s standards that the Lord has allowed into your life? Even things that seem, well, like you have walked outside of God’s blessing. Some examples might be an unfaithful spouse, the death of a loved one, an unrelenting boss, financial struggles or even, perhaps, sickness. The list can go on.

Can a person really submit to an unfaithful spouse? How about an overbearing, unrelenting boss? What about in sickness? Can you submit to the will of the Lord?

Doesn’t it seem like whomever is submitting deserves justice? Retribution? Vindication? Shouldn’t they just leave their spouse or quit their job? Show them all?

I don’t know, but what I do know is that if you are walking with the Lord, He will take care of you. He will open locked doors and carve a path through the mountain if need be. Whatever it takes to take care of you, He will do it. Just keep in mind that He is far more interested in your soul than anything else. If you can stop, be quiet, and really listen to the Lord, you will find that walking life in submission to Him is full of freedom and internal joy. When one submits to the will of the Lord (that will being to conform you into the likeness of His Son), He will supernaturally provide to you the strength and ability to do what He has called you to do… and that is to live a humble life before Him and men.

I know this isn’t popular thinking and it even goes against human pride, but if it keeps in step with the Lord God, then it is Good.

I don’t believe being submissive is a sign of a weak character when that person is walking by faith. I believe it demonstrates complete faithfulness and trust in the Lord God. God will right every wrong. You can be sure of that. He will do whatever is necessary to bring about justice as long as you allow Him to. Be mindful of when you’re walking in submission, that you’re doing it with a kind and gentle heart. It’s not always easy choosing to do the right thing, but somehow, someway, God will give you the strength to do so, but you must be willing to die to your selfish desires and follow Him wholeheartedly. Lay down your dreams and trust in His leadership. Submit your will to His.

God is good and His way is right. By submitting to Him, you will find freedom beyond anything your heart can imagine. This is God’s promise to you.

So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed. John 8:36 | NIV84