blessed submission
“As the Church submits to Christ, so wives should submit to their husbands in everything.” —Ephesians 5:24
This Scripture passage is among the most misunderstood in the Bible. Submission is an unpopular word in our contemporary culture. In the Bible, however, submission is highly valued. It is Jesus’ position on the cross (see Phil 2:8). Submission is the way of redemption and the power of God. It is not a position of weakness; rather, it is one of supernatural strength. Submission is not passivity; it is an active, loving obedience even in disagreement.
We must submit to the Lord, His Word, and His Church (Eph 5:21). We must be submissive to pastors, parents, husbands, governments, and leaders (Eph 5:21; cf Rm 13:7). If authorities contradict one another, we submit to the higher authority. For example, if the government contradicts the Bible, we obey the Bible and accordingly disobey the government. Most of the time, however, we submit to them, deny ourselves, take up the cross, and follow in Jesus’ footsteps (Lk 9:23).
Prayer: Father, give me the strength to accept the privilege of submission.
Promise: “As for me and my household, we will serve the Lord.” —Jos 24:15
Praise: “He who feeds on My flesh and drinks My blood has life eternal, and I will raise him up on the last day” (Jn 6:54). Risen Jesus, how can we ever thank You enough?
Reference: (For a related teaching on obedience, order, view or download our leaflet Obedience School or order, listen to, or download Obeying God on our CD 62-3 or DVD 62 on our website.)
Rescript: "In accord with the Code of Canon Law, I hereby grant the Nihil Obstat for the publication One Bread, One Body covering the time period from August 1, 2021 through September 30, 2021. Reverend Steve J. Angi, Vicar General, Chancellor, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio January 12, 2021"
The Nihil Obstat ("Permission to Publish") is a declaration that a book or pamphlet is considered to be free of doctrinal or moral error. It is not implied that those who have granted the Nihil Obstat agree with the contents, opinions, or statements expressed.