Submission

You read this word. What do you think about? How do you feel?

For some, it creates a cringe in the body. For some, it’s sexual. For some, it’s beautiful. Does that feel off? Hearing, or reading, that submission is beautiful?

Submission is an originally beautiful concept created by God, but our society has perverted it and skewed its meaning tremendously. The result: hurt, confusion, demeaning posture, arguments, that cringe feeling.

We are in a society where submission is portrayed as an act of weakness, suggesting that anyone who submits is inferior.

“I will never submit to a man. I am a strong, independent woman!”

Who said that the act of submission is an indicator of weakness? And, even if that were the case, who said that weaker is lesser than? The world, not the Word.

Can I potentially challenge ideas against submission here? If you follow Christ, you believe he is greater, right? Submission, then, is already part of your faith walk.

“Submit yourselves, then, to God.” James 4:7

“If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.” Luke 9:23

And biblically, submission is not weakness. In fact, the Bible shows submission as strength under authority.

Jesus: “Not my will, but yours be done” (Luke 22:42). His submission to the Father was the most powerful act in history: the cross - not weakness, but the ultimate strength.

The Church: Believers are called to submit to Christ (Ephesians 5:24). That doesn’t make the church “lesser” or “weak,” it places us in right order under His love and lordship.

Mutual Submission: “Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ” (Ephesians 5:21). That’s a command for all believers. It’s not about being dominated, but about humility, service, and unity.

Let’s talk more about leadership. In the context of men and in the role of a man of God in a relationship, leadership has been and has the danger of being skewed into pride and control. That is the very reason why Ephesians 5 emphasizes the essence of humility, respect, and sacrificial love.

“Wives, submit yourselves to your own husbands as you do to the Lord.
Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her…” Ephesians 5:22–25

Prideful and controlling leadership is not of God.
Ephesians 5 doesn’t give men permission to dominate; it gives them a mandate to die to self in love, therefore placing themselves in a position to lead well.

With this then, as a woman of God, I don’t want to follow just any man.

But, a man following and pursuing Christ, leading with love and humility?

Yes - lead the way. And let me come with you!

Submission isn’t about value; it’s about posture. Unity. Complementarity.

And submission beautifully complements leadership.

God’s model of both submission and leadership is servant-hearted, sacrificial, Christ-centered, and Christ-glorifying.

So yes, submission can be beautiful.
When it is rooted in mutual honor,
when it flows from trust in God and desire to glorify God,
and when it is practiced in the context of Christlike love and humility.