“So ….What Does SUBMISSION Really Look Like?” (Ephesians 5:22-24)

“Wives, submit yourselves to your own husbands as you do to the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife as Christ is the head of the church, his body, of which he is the Savior. Now as the church submits to Christ, so also wives should submit to their husbands in everything.”

After reading Ephesians 5:22-24, single and married women might ask, “So…What does SUBMISSION really look like?” That’s a heavy passage to absorb all at one time! Many of us struggle with submission because of past experiences with unhealthy relationships. Some of us were raised in homes where our mothers were the primary caretaker and money-maker. My mother was a single, petite, short-bow-legged woman and would walk barefooted on railroad rocks to protect her children. Despite the obstacles thrown in her way, she relentlessly instilled in us to never let anybody pull us down. Her famous quote was, “Don’t be nobody’s doormat!” It was sound advice from a mother who struggled with domestic violence most of her life. She didn’t want her children to fall prey to that type of lifestyle. Therefore, the word “submission” was foreign to us.

Our environment directly impacts our perception about life and love. But nevertheless, there is a remedy to it all! Consider the example that Jesus exemplified when He gave His life for the remission of sins for the “world” (John 3:16). Even while we were sinners, Christ died for us (Romans 5:8). If that scripture doesn’t convict you about submission, this scripture says, “Christ died for the ungodly” (Romans 5:6).

What drives a Holy God to restore His relationship with us? Jesus said, “This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, that someone lays down his life for his friend” (John 15:12-13). The common denominator for true submission in our relationships is “Love.” Love MUST extend beyond your partner. True love must first be for your Heavenly Father. Obedience to the Father is motivated by your love for the Father. Everything that Jesus did was out of His love for the Father. The vicarious sacrifice of Jesus on the Cross was not accomplished because He wanted the world to love Him. But He did it because He loved the Father. Jesus was not trying to win a popularity contest. He just wanted to please His Father.

Woman of God…do you desire to please your Heavenly Father?  What’s hindering you from submitting in your relationship? Is it a trust issue with your partner? Are you seeking Godly wisdom from spiritual counselors to assist you with this issue? Paul told the women, “Submit to your own husbands…” I encourage you to pray and seek God’s wisdom on submission. Be honest with yourself and your partner about this issue. This is especially necessary if you are preparing for marriage.

It's not an easy subject, but it’s extremely necessary.

Be encouraged…..

For His glory…

Written by Sandra Kelley (7/21/2024).