Concerning submission

To the woman He said: “I will greatly multiply your sorrow and your conception; In pain you shall bring forth children; Your desire shall be for your husband, And he shall rule over you.”
– Genesis 3:16 (NKJV) 

The Scripture referenced above came after the fall of man. In the preceding verses leading to this proclamation by God, we see how Adam and Eve went about playing the blame game. No one took responsibility for the disobedience to the clear instructions of God in the garden of Eden. When asked, Adam blamed it on his wife, Eve. When it got to her turn, she blamed her actions on the serpent, the devil. So here we see a cyclical chain of blame going around and no one was ready to take responsibility for their actions. So, to ensure there was a clear direction, God had to make this declaration so that the man would know and assume his place in his home as a leader. Today’s devotional centres not just on family relationships but also on how this applies to other areas of life where we are required to submit to constituted authority, whether at home, at work, in the church or even at the governmental level. 

In Judges 4:4, the Bible references Deborah, a prophetess, the wife of Lapidoth, who was judging Israel at that time. Despite being in charge of judging Israel, with very sharp prophetic gifts, she was still submissive as the wife of Lapidoth. She was only able to remain with the title ‘wife’ because she submitted despite probably having more influence than her husband. Your submission is seen in the ability to manage relationships irrespective of your status. 

Let’s talk about the workplace. Have you seen very young men and women occupying senior positions in organizations? The owner of the company might even be a 20-year-old. Again, your success in that company might just depend on how far you are willing to submit and follow instructions. It would be folly to think that because you have more resources or are older, you do not need to submit to the leadership in that workplace. This is one of the impediments to growth for most people working in organizations.  

God doesn’t measure your worth by your position but by your heart.

The early church was growing rapidly. With growth came challenges, especially in assigning tasks and roles within the body of Christ. There was a contention over who would serve tables and Stephen and Philip were chosen to carry out what we would have called ‘mundane’ in today’s world. These were not just new converts who had just given their lives to Christ, but rather deacons in the church. If you were Stephen, what would you have done? Would you have taken that position with all the anointing flowing on your head and the spiritual gifts you manifest? In submission, they both did!

In a world where platform often seems more important than service, Acts 6 reminds us that true greatness in God’s kingdom is found in humility and faithfulness. Whether preaching from a pulpit or handing out meals, every act of service done unto the Lord carries eternal value. You might never mount the pulpit, maybe where God has in mind for you is to clean the washrooms at this time, but you might have a greater impact in service as far as He is concerned. All that matters is to serve and submit to those placed over you with a pure heart. God doesn’t measure your worth by your position but by your heart. This day may the Lord find you faithful to His call and assignment in Jesus’ name. 

Song of Worship  

How could I describe 

A God that’s indescribable 

How could explain 

A love that’s unexplainable 

I’m at a loss for words 

[Chorus:] 

Oh Oh Oh My heart sings Oh Oh Oh 

Oh Oh Oh My heart sings Oh Oh Oh  

Song My Heart Sings by William McDowell 

Prayer – Lord, help me to serve with joy, humility, submission to authority, and the fullness of Your Spirit. Whether I am seen or unseen, may I be found faithful in every task You entrust to me. Use my service to build up Your Church and bring glory to Your name. Amen. 

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Bible in 1 Year:  Proverbs 10-12; 2 Corinthians 4