I chafe at the idea of submitting to something other than my own will because I think I know what’s best for my life. But it’s clear to me that thinking this way is “vain conceit.” It puts me and my ideas of “best” above all others. Philippians 2:3 calls for me to value others above myself – “others” who were made in the image of God and who have value because He made them. It is an act whose purpose is not to put myself down but, instead, an opportunity to show reverence for Christ.
Jesus does not ask something of us that he did not do perfectly himself. He shows us humility through many of His actions, but most importantly, through His submission to the Father’s will at the cross. We get the opportunity to emulate Jesus through our relationships and our heart posture towards the world around us. When I have allowed sisters in Christ to speak into my life, they pointed me to a deeper understanding of Christ and His will for me instead of my own.
The practice of submission is a practice God will use for our good.