WILLING SUBMISSION

     In times of discord it is not unusual to hear the cry, "Why

can't we all just get along?" Confrontations often arise and are

increased by those who are unwilling to submit to others. It

happens in family relationships, in labor disputes, stretching

from churches to wars; many are not willing to be submissive.

     In far too many people, submission is a negative word that

suggests weakness upon the part of the one who submits. However,

submission is identified as a positive characteristic by the Word

of God. The English word "submit" means: "to yield to governance

or authority; to commit to the discretion or judgment of another,

to defer to the opinion or authority of another." (Webster's

Dictionary.) The dictionary lists "yield" as a synonym. The Greek

word translated "submit" literally means to "yield under."

     Where do conflicts come from? The inspired writer James says

they come from our selfish desires and pride (James 4:1-10). When

we approach our relationships in this life (with God or anyone

else) on a "me first" basis, then we are unsubmissive. This

creates friction and ill feelings. We are called upon to humble

ourselves before the hand of almighty God and let Him do the

exalting.

     What does God's word say about submission? Children are to

submit to parents (Ephesians 6:1-4); wives are to submit to

husbands (Ephesians 5:22-33); men and women are to submit to civil

government (Romans 13:1-7); mankind is to submit to Jehovah

(Hebrews 5:8-10).

     Jehovah has the power and ability to force us to conform, but

it is His desire that we choose to submit ourselves to Him. It is

the choice that each one must make. Jesus asks entrance into our

heart, but we must respond and open the door (Revelation 3:20).

   ---Jack Thompson, preacher for the White Park church of Christ.
 
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