Submission vs. Division

 In all aspects of our lives we tend to do things differently and at times we have similarities or we have major differences within each other. As believers and members of the body of Christ, why do we at times consider ourselves individuals? We all have different callings, talents, gifts, and abilities. Does this cause us to all teach, preach, and reach out to believers and non-believers in different forms?

How are we to determine which specific form of ministering, worshiping, or serving works best or has better results. As leaders we want to give our very best to God first and those we serve second. What we have gained, learned and allowed to influence us is the very gospel we deliver and invest in others.

The word tells us we were created in the image of God (Genesis 5:1, Genesis 1:27). God has an endless amount of abilities, talents, gifts, powers and influence. In fact he is the main and only source in which we receive from. If God has the utmost ability to work in endless forms this leads me to think we as believers also have different forms of working in God’s kingdom. Though we all may have different callings and purposes we stand in the same line as Christ leads the way.

What comes to mind when you hear the word division? Since the beginning of time division was and is the very cause that drives people away from Christ, church, and ministry. Many of us at times in the midst of our work in the kingdom we constantly forget another word known as “Submission”. Lack of submission is the result of division. When we do not submit to the will of God, we stray away and make a personal statement that we can live this life without Godly guidance.

When we do not submit to our pastors, leaders, and those in authority, we step back from the plan and purpose of God, and make prideful decisions that lead to self-induced spiritual, emotional pains and consequences. Why self-induced? Many believers continuously blame and point their finger at the enemy, when they make bad decisions that led them to consequences. We know what is correct and incorrect, so the end result of our decisions should never be a surprise to us. If we live according to the word of God, we’ll see Godly results and evidence in our life. When we live according to the word of the world, we’ll see ungodly results and evidence. So our daily decisions will lead us to submission unto God or the world. Our decision will result in the division of the other, since both God and the world will never reach a partnership agreement.

Submission is not only to take place within our relationship with God. This decision must be made everywhere we go and with everyone we meet in our school, workplace, government, church, ministry, household, and family. Submission is a form of law which must be followed in order to maintain a strong and organized form of living. As believers we submit first to God, and second to those in authority (Ephesians 5:21, 1 Peter 5:5). Submission is not a form of dictatorship; it’s a form of reverence and respect. It must be given in order to be earned.

Let us be submissive to one another, in order to complete God’s will and purpose in our lives through unity and love. When we submit to people in authority who God has placed to lead us, we are submitting to his will and not our own. In the midst of disagreements let us not forget that Christ alone is the answer and solution. When we follow his word, and live by his word, we will make decisions according to his word. As the body of Christ, he is the head, and we are the body. Christ is the source and signal, and we are to be the obedient body functions doing his will according to his guidance.

-Mimic