Submitting to One Another

by Chel Garrison

Submission is a concept often misunderstood in culture today. Often, we associate it solely with hierarchy and someone’s desire to control. However, from a biblical perspective, submission carries deeper spiritual significance, rooted in humility, respect, and honoring God. This extends far beyond exploring biblical submission in the role of a wife. 

The essence of biblical submission is beautifully illustrated in Philippians 2:3-7 (NIV): 

Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility, value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others. In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. 

Paul emphasizes the humility and selflessness modeled by Jesus Himself. Submission is not about inferiority or coercion, rather, willingly placing others' needs and interests before our own. Instead of implying weakness, godly submission requires strength and faith, grounding us in a deep commitment to God’s pattern for life, not a cultural norm. Let’s consider how to practically view this biblical principle in different aspects of our lives.  

 1. Friendships 

In friendships, biblical submission is seen through mutual respect, accountability, honesty, and biblical truth. Proverbs 27:17 (NIV) highlights this principle: "As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another." Friends submit to each other by viewing the other as more important than self, accountability to truth, and love. We speak truth, covered in grace, but we also allow our friends to reciprocate when those things need to be spoken into our lives.  

 2. Workplace 

In the workplace, submission involves respecting those in authority and choosing to work with diligence and integrity. Colossians 3:22-24 (NIV) instructs employees: “Obey your earthly masters in everything; and do it, not only when their eye is on you and to curry their favor, but with sincerity of heart and reverence for the Lord. Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.” By working diligently and respectfully, we communicate that we are people of character. We become trustworthy and make our employers see something different in us. This honor impacts our earthly employers and ultimately, honors God. 

3. Church  

Within the local church, submission means actively serving others and submitting to the spiritual authority of the leadership. Hebrews 13:17 (NIV) exhorts believers: "Have confidence in your leaders and submit to their authority, because they keep watch over you as those who must give an account. Do this so that their work will be a joy, not a burden, for that would be of no benefit to you." By supporting your leaders through prayer, respecting their decisions even when you might not understand, and actively serving in your local church, you ultimately honor God.  

4. Government  

As believers, we are called to submit to governing authorities. Romans 13:1 (NIV) states, "Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God.” Submission to government doesn't mean agreeing with every decision or law, but it does involve respecting the position of authority. Of course, when human laws directly contradict God's commands, believers are called to obey God rather than men (Acts 5:29). Christ-followers demonstrate their submission to God by honoring and respecting civil authority, participating in society with integrity, and striving to live in peace with others. 

5. Marriage 

In marriage, from a biblical view, submission reflects a picture of Jesus and the Church. Many people quote Ephesians 5:22-25 but forget verse 21. "Submit to one another out of reverence to Christ.” Submission within marriage is, at times, reciprocal. Wives are called to submit, husbands to love as Christ loved the church, dying for her. However, there are times both will choose to submit to the other out of reverence for Christ. A posture that says, “If I can’t think of my spouse as better than myself at this moment for their sake, I will do it for Christ” creates a beautiful, deep picture of God’s love in our marriages.  

 Simple Steps for Growing Christ-like Submission 

1. Cultivate Humility: Recognize our limitations and strengths as gifts from God. (Philippians 2:5-8) 

2. Practice Selflessness: Actively seek opportunities to prioritize others' needs and interests over our own. (Philippians 2:3-4) 

3. Seek God's Wisdom: Regularly study the Bible. (James 1:5) 

4. Embrace Obedience: Trust and obey God's Word even when it challenges our understanding. (1 Peter 5:6-7) 

5. Accountability and Growth: Surround yourself with other believers to provide accountability.  (Proverbs 27:17) 

Through developing these habits, we grow to see that submission is not about losing oneself but finding freedom and purpose in serving God and others in a way that reflects the heart of our Savior.