I was listening to a Christian radio talk show with the host and an author discussing submission. I came in the middle of the conversation and from what I could conclude this woman had written a book about being submissive. Maybe some of you heard it and know what I am talking about. As they discussed primarily about a wife’s role to be submissive, dare I say it was some good stuff (I will pay for that one later, LOL!), I couldn’t help but think about submission in a more secular aspect.
In several jobs that I have held over the past 20 years, I have seen a multitude of my employers experience severe turn over concerning employees. In this egotistical world most people are out for themselves. Nobody sees that lacking submission to authority, whether it is husband and wife or employee to employer, establishes low commitment levels. What does that do to a marriage? It starts with disagreements, then knock-down-drag-out fights, and eventually divorce. A deficient submissive attitude in marriage also creates a constraining framework to rear children in.
In a company setting it begins with gossip, insubordination, ending ultimately in termination or resignation. Submission isn’t just one sided either. The Bible commands husbands and wives to submit to one another. Does this mean it is any different for the workforce arena? Employees accept a position in a company, voluntarily submitting themselves to their bosses and higher ups. However, the bosses sometimes must submit to their employees through accepting their ideas, their suggestions, or their critiques.
In a healthy marriage both husband and wife practice wholesome submission. Likewise, in a thriving work environment. Where submission isn’t a part of the DNA of the relationship there will be strife, jealousy, envy, divorce, and high turn over rates.
We must notice something about Jesus’ relationship with His Father. Even as being all God and all human, Jesus submitted to the Father’s authority, hence the perfect relationship between the Father and the Son. Jesus consistently practiced submission with His disciples as well. By washing their feet Jesus served them and submitted to them His authority for a brief moment. He also bore our sins in submission to the Father’s will.
What can the world benefit from Jesus’ example of submission? A lower divorce rate, while increasing healthy marriages. More on-the-job satisfaction and increased productivity, while lowering terminations and inconsistent staffing at all levels. And those are just two areas. Overall, life is greatly improved.
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