It would be helpful to understand the role submission plays in our lives as Christian believers because submission can be a loaded word for some folks, especially when it’s been used as a command in abusive situations. Hebrews 12:10 in the King James version of the Bible says, “in honor preferring one another.” New International Version says, “Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves.” A relationship flows smoothly between people if there is honor in the relationship. Submission doesn’t mean not stating your opinion if opinions differ or not being in charge of one’s own life. Submission in Christianity is never one-sided or the command to honor the other above yourself would have been only spoken to one party rather than everyone. Jesus set an example of submission when he laid down his life for his bride, the church. Paul used this as an example in Philippians 2 when he said, “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 (Philippians 2:3-4 NIV).
When a person is open to this gospel principle it brings balance to life. Did you ever watch a group of children play follow the leader? As they follow the leader, the children are required to mimic the leader, consecutively, staying in line. Doing something else rather than following the leader violates the rules of the game. One task gets done, rather than all the tasks getting done because the leader is being followed. The Christian life doesn’t work that way. Christ delegates to each of his followers differing skills and tasks. Each of us mutually helping and taking on our responsibilities while caring about the well-being of others aids in smoothly fulfilling the needs of many simultaneously.
If submission didn’t exist, you would see Person A in control, demanding that everyone do things the way Person A wants it done and Persons B and C would not be utilizing their own skills and talents well. We call that abuse of power. Submission means lack of selfishness and the humility to see others as equally valuable and necessary in the sphere in which we all operate.
Is the fruit of the Spirit applicable to everyone? Check out the word of God about it. “You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love…But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires (Galatians 5:13, 22-24 NIV).
Thyme On My Path 