If you are expecting one of those posts about how I was once a stubborn, rebellious woman who rejected the call to submit until one day I saw the light and now life is great and I love submitting… Well… this isn’t that post.
While they are tamed a bit, I still have a stubborn and rebellious core. I still don’t like to give up my way. It still isn’t easy for me to be quiet when I think I have the answer. I still have moments I cringe, grit my teeth and bite my tongue. It is still a struggle.
But here’s why I still engage the struggle. This is why I haven’t given up and given in.
I desire holiness.
This is how the holy women of old made themselves beautiful. They put their trust in God and accepted the authority of their husbands. For instance, Sarah obeyed her husband, Abraham, and called him her master. You are her daughters when you do what is right without fear of what your husbands might do. 1 Pet. 3:5-6
I desire a clear conscience.
Everyone must submit to governing authorities. For all authority comes from God, and those in positions of authority have been placed there by God. So anyone who rebels against authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and they will be punished. For the authorities do not strike fear in people who are doing right, but in those who are doing wrong. Would you like to live without fear of the authorities? Do what is right, and they will honor you.The authorities are God’s servants, sent for your good. But if you are doing wrong, of course you should be afraid, for they have the power to punish you. They are God’s servants, sent for the very purpose of punishing those who do what is wrong. So you must submit to them, not only to avoid punishment, but also to keep a clear conscience. Rom. 13:1-5
I do not want to be in opposition to God.
In the same way, you who are younger, submit yourselves to your elders. All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, “God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.” 1 Pet. 5:5
Jesus did it.
Is there any encouragement from belonging to Christ? Any comfort from his love? Any fellowship together in the Spirit? Are your hearts tender and compassionate? Then make me truly happy by agreeing wholeheartedly with each other, loving one another, and working together with one mind and purpose.
Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too.
You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had.
Though he was God,
he did not think of equality with God
as something to cling to.
Instead, he gave up his divine privileges;
he took the humble position of a slave
and was born as a human being.
When he appeared in human form,
he humbled himself in obedience to God
and died a criminal’s death on a cross. Phil 2:1-8
God will take care of me.
For those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted. Mt. 23:12
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