Rebellion or Submission?

Strong-willed, stubborn and defiant – my wheelhouse as a teen. These character traits, coupled with a deeply rooted animosity toward myself and life, were a recipe for disaster. Often, I stonewalled against the routines that came with being young such as religion, school, and a lack of social status. Living in a very small town, as we did, felt stifling and restrictive, which only fuelled my rebellion.

My opposition to authority continued when I left home as a young adult. Now that I was independent, no one was going to tell me what to do if I wasn’t prepared to do it. Needless to say, that wasn’t a proper disposition to adopt when working in order to pay bills and buy food. And this girl liked to eat.

When I became a Christian in my thirties, I assumed that I could carry on in my insubordinate ways with God. It’s a good thing God is patient and has a sense of humor because I firmly believed myself to be a force not to be reckoned with insert laughter of God.

Yet, God allowed this saved wretch to fall facedown, time and again for years, before I came to the realization that it wasn’t rebellion which would bring positive life results, but submission. Laying down anger, ignorance, stubbornness, and irritation against all I disliked was the only way I would see the glory of God in my life.

In today’s verse, the notion that Christ, obediently, went to the cross out of submission to the will of his heavenly Father seems beyond preposterous. Yet, that is precisely what made the glory of God radiate so brightly in Christ’s faith life. As Christ followers, it’s not a fight that shall win us the race, it’s the faithful and obedient submission to our Father that will.

It’s what will keep us filled with peace as the world continues to change in alarming and unsettling ways. It’s what will keep us steady, faithful, and confident when we are persecuted by others. And it’s what will fill us with the radiant glory of God as we trust God’s Spirit to enable us to follow Christ’s example of faithful obedience. Let us encourage one another to live a life of holy submission unto God just as Jesus did - my greatest faith hero.

Precious Jesus, thank you for the beautiful example of your faithful and obedient submission to your Father at all times during your time on Earth. Even when it meant giving your life. Help me to do the same in your strength. I pray this in your perfect name, Jesus. Amen.

Throughout This Day: Consider who or what you are faithfully submitting to. Is it an idol (something other than God that you are trusting in for an abundant life) or is it God? Meditate on today’s verse as you contemplate your answer.