Biblical Submission

Ephesians 5:22 (AMP)
Wives, be subject (be submissive and adapt yourselves) to your own husbands as [a service] to the Lord.

What does this verse mean? We already know that in Genesis 2:18 God created woman so that man would not be alone and he would have a helper adapted to his needs.

Being submissive is a very talked about biblical principle and yet it is still very misunderstood by the world, and many Christians. God calls us to submit to our husbands. What does “biblical submission” entail? Does being submissive to our husbands mean we have to be a doormat for him? That he can just do whatever with no care about us or our feelings? No!

God does not want us to be a doormat. We were created to be his helper, but we are also his equal heir to God’s kingdom (Galations 3:28 “…there is not male and female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus). Jesus died for all our sins, not just our husbands. Therefore, God should always be first in our priorities. God is the only one with absolute authority over our lives. Colossians 2: 9-10 (AMP) states: For in Him the whole fullness of Deity (the Godhead) continues to dwell in bodily form [giving complete expression of the divine nature]. And you are in Him, made full and having come to fullness of life [in Christ you too are filled with the Godhead--Father, Son and Holy Spirit--and reach full spiritual stature]. And He is the Head of all rule and authority [of every angelic principality and power]. This means that our husbands rule over us is limited by God.

God should always be our main focus. Pleasing Him, Trusting Him, Loving Him. Our second focus should be our husbands. Pleasing him, trusting him, loving him.

Many times our husbands may ask us to do something that we do not want to do. When this happens, we need to think about our priorities. Here are some things to think about:

1) Will submitting to our husband bring glory to God? OK, you caught me there. Every time you submit to my husband, as long as he is not asking you to sin, brings glory to God, but I want to go deeper than that. Does he want to give more money in tithe, than you had budgeted? Or does he want to do something special for someone less fortunate than yourselves, and it will set your plans/goals behind? In situations like this, you can voice your concerns, in a quiet, respectful manner. However, you should submit to him. Now, if you know what he is giving to is a scam and it will not bring glory to God, you should calmly and lovingly supply all the facts to your husband.

2) Will it bring honor to your husband? Again, yes, by submitting to him, you are honoring him, but let’s look deeper than that. Is he asking you do iron a shirt that he wants to wear for an important meeting? Is it something that will make him feel especially loved? As long as he is not asking you to sin, you should do it.

3) Will it make you feel uncomfortable? If he came home from work, told you to call the sitter and get all dressed up, the two of you were going to the bar, would you go?

4) Is he asking you to sin against God? Does he want you to commit fraud? Does he want you to participate in pornography? Does he forbid you to talk to your children about God? If the answer is yes to this question, you must refuse to submit. You are to love God first, your beloved second.

5) Is he being abusive? No matter what, the Bible should never be used as an excuse for a spouse to use the other spouse as a punching bag! This is NOT what God intended. Man and woman are equal heirs to God's glory, in heaven (Galatians 3:28). Yes, the man is to be the head of the household, but he is not to be abusive. By the same token, neither is the wife. Please, if your husband is abusing you, physically or mentally, seek help! If you have children, get them out of that situation, as fast as possible, as well. Neither you or your children deserve that kind of treatment.

If after you look at these things, and are still not sure, you should pray. But ultimately, it is God’s will for you to submit to your husband in all things, as long as he is not abusing you or asking you to sin. You may quietly, politely disagree, but in the end, your beloved has the last say. Even if he is not a Christian.

Article Source: http://faithandfamilyarticles.com

Melissa Sheldon is a Christian stay at home mother, who enjoys time with God, time with her husband and boys. She also enjoys time in the Word. Melissa publishes several blogs. Two of which can be found at faithfilledwives.blogspot.com and mjs4him.blogspot.com.

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