Probably the most misunderstood spiritual discipline is “submission.” In fact, men and churches have taken advantage of this discipline and used it to abuse and subjugate others all in the name of spirituality over the years. But, misuse doesn’t negate the vital significance of learning submission as a key to transformation for the Christian man/woman.
Submission to one another (Eph 5:21 “Submit to one another out of reverance to Christ”) is rooted in mutual submission to God. My job isn’t to worry about getting people to submit to me — my job is to submit to others and let God worry about the details.
Submission is giving up the need to have it my way. Richard Foster observes that submission is actually a key to freedom in relationships. Having to to be right, be in charge and have things my way all of the time can be an intense bondage. It keeps me from being free to love and bring out God’s best in the people around me.
What if every day, we would pray: “Father, who do you want me to submit to today?”
“As Thou wilt; what Thou wilt; when Thou wilt.” — Thomas A Kempis
I really appreciate the truth in this blog…
I am more and more convinced of this very fact, that all of the christian’s life is one of submission. And that the pinnacle of our obedience to Christ is the submission of our will, namely death. (Matt 10:39, anywhere in Philippians but specifically chapter 2)
It is certainly not an easy road, which explains why it is the one less traveled. Yet in our willingness to die we magnify Christ and proclaim to the world that our life is His and He is worthy of all.
Really excited for you guys… wish I could be home. Praying for you Cascade! Make much of Him!
I’m looking forward to having you done with school and back home, too! Glad you’re staying connected.
Hi Nate,
I enjoyed your sermon last Sunday on “It’s Time for You to Be Quiet Now.” I wanted to talk to you after but you were so busy. I am new to Cascade. Your U2 Reference, using the Joshua Tree, “Where the Streets Have No Name,” was great.
When Bono and the band recorded that CD, they were staying in a little Motel in Joshua Tree, CA. He recorded the video of that song in L.A. CA on a rooftop of an empty building. He and the band got hauled off the building for causing what appeared to be a riot in the streets, because U2 gathered a crowd. The street where that the building was on was later named “No Name.” I am not sure if it is still named that.
Also, Joshua Tree is just outside of 29 Palms,CA where the largest Marine Corps Base is, and the only one that shoots off live Amo, why not it’s on 10.000 acres of sand.
Joshua Tree Monument is great place to go to find “Quiet Time” with God. It is full of rocks, that people come from all over the world to climb. This rocks or boulders are wind blown with sand and have a smooth yet rough texture.
Just some U2 trivia for you that you probably already knew since you are a fan.
Thanks for your sermons. I look forward to many more. As I continue to attend there.
One question to get married in your church one would have to be a member right?
Abbi