The Pain of Submission
Submission is difficult for everyone. Our entire childhood years were devoted to finding our own way and gaining our independence. It started from the moment we pulled our hands away from mom or dad to strike out on our own walking by ourselves. That first expression of independence was a sign of our desire to be on our own and not under anyone else.
We wanted to be on our own without help going to school, riding the bus without mom or dad taking us to school. We bristled when we were told to do something. It was not so much the job but rather the fact that we were told to do it. I remember well on a day that I thought I would do something nice for my mom and vacuum without being told. Before I could start, she told me to do it and then I didn’t want to anymore!
And, what about that long-awaited driver’s license. It represented everything we were living for—striking out on our own with no chauffeur or rider watching our every move. That was the preamble to the ultimate prize—moving away from home to do what we wanted to do without them. We were finally free and independent!
But, then reality set in! We are never fully free and independent. The teachers at school told us what to do. The rules of the road were managed by the policemen who held us accountable. Being away from home did not free us from responsibility. We had to do what others told us so that we could be paid and take care of ourselves.
There is no better place to learn about submission than the account of Jesus in the garden before His arrest, trial, and crucifixion. This event provides us an intimate glimpse into the struggle with submission that even Jesus had to face and overcome!
Jesus knew His time had come. He was going to the cross to die for the sins of the world. However, He was hesitant. Matthew 26:37 even reads, “He began to be sorrowful and deeply distressed.” He even admitted that to His disciples. “My soul is exceedingly sorrowful, even to death…” (Matthew 26:38). His reaction shows us that submission is not easy. It goes against every craving and yearning that our free will wants to do.
The difficulty of submission leads to a desire for something else not for whatever it is that we are resisting in the moment. Jesus expressed it this way. “O My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me…” (Matthew 26:39). The pain of submission becomes more intense as the required effort and sacrifice grows greater.
Submission admits these words from Jesus. “The spirit indeed is willing but the flesh is weak.” (Matthew 26:41). Jesus faced the same temptation that confronts each of us—submission. He knew that God could do anything He wanted to do and if there was any other way, Jesus wanted Him to use that way.
But, here is what submission is all about. Jesus gave us the proper definition of Christian submission. “…nevertheless, not as I will, but as You will…if this cup cannot pass away from Me unless I drink it, Your will be done.” (Matthew 26:42). We all have our own cups to bear, some more intense than others, as we learn to submit. Submission without complaint is the goal we each should strive for.
— Mike Johnson
