Dec 26, 2006
Submission in Training
A while back I decided that if it is ever in God's will for me to get married, that I should probably start working on the whole submission thing. I have often heard that the way one treats his/her siblings is the way that they will treat their future spouse. This being true, I decided that a good way to start practicing submission, would be to submit my younger brother as I would to my husband. At first I thought it would be easy, I mean, I don't like making decisions, so I thought that letting someone else make the decisions would be easy. I soon found out that there is a lot more to submission. Submission is not just letting someone else decide, it is trusting in their decision, it's being joyful about it. Personally, I found that I didn't like not being in control of the situation. I wanted things to be done my way. I wasn't willing to trust the decisions of a younger brother. As it turned out, my younger brother was usually correct in the decisions he made, and I was usually wrong. It's amazing the wisdom God gives to men, of any age. Not that all men are wise right out of the gates, but it does seem that God has given most men the ability to lead without having their decisions based off emotions. In any case, although I am growing in the area of submission, I have much to learn! First and foremost I am learning that I can do nothing good on my own. Especially being submissive. God says a lot about women being followers and helpers in the Bible. And as I grow up in the Lord, I pray that will become a more submissive person. Submissive firstly to God, and secondly to the leaders God puts in my life.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
2 comments:
Hey Brooke,
I was practicing the first time when I just said Brooke, with no note. Now that I know it works I'll continue. Good job on your submission thoughts. You wrote what was on your heart and submission is hard, for all of us. It is important to note that "us men" also have the challenge of submitting to our authority, specifically and most importantly to the Lord. The reason why it is difficult is that submitting for anyone is not natural to our sinful nature. It takes an act of God to give us a heart to do it, so yes you are on the right track. The question is as you alluded to, "does God know what He is doing?" So much of the time we think we have a better way, a way that is shorter, easier, better, more satisfying. In the short term of submission, I don't think God automatically makes our circumstances better quickly. I think He is testing our hearts. The test is needed because we are bent to doing the right thing for the wrong reason. IE;we submit not because it pleases the Lord but because it may works better for us. I for one am learning to submit out of fear of the Lord. Prov. 9:10 says the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. I want to be in "that place". And, although I will always be learning more about God, I know Him well enough through my experience with Him that He won't stand long for my rebellion. Psalm 78 speaks a lot about that and has been a challenge to me in my life. Vs. 21 says God was full of wrath, why? Vs. 22 says because they did not believe and did not trust in Him. That is a motivator for me in submission. Option a. To do it the way I think is best in the short term knowing God will never bless it in the long term. In fact, he'll be full of wrath against me, scary. Option b. Purpose to do it according to God's way, and the leadership He has put in place over me regardless of the way it looks from my very limited view. Ps. 84:12 says blessed is the man who trust in You! Again, that's where I want to be, and I know that is where you want to be as well. Is it difficult or are we able without Him? You know the answer to that don't you Beeeber. Your heart is bent to obedience, God will bless that and He'll bless your willingness to be open about how hard it is and at times you don't want to. Stay the course Brooke, I praise God for you!
Love Dad
Hi dad,
Thanks for dropping in. =) Excellent thoughts! I appreciate you sharing them.
Post a Comment