”Submission is the first step toward an anointed life.”
Jentezen Franklin
“Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded.”
Submission:
The Neverending Battle of Courage Vs. Pride
Submission isn’t a death sentence. It’s voluntarily dying to myself in exchange for a fresh anointing and supernatural protection for my assignment. Whenever the Lord calls us to do something, He promises to lead and guide us with His Spirit to help us complete the mission (Isaiah 30:21, Philippians 1:6).
If the idea of submitting is hard, you’re not alone. A common misconception is to believe that submission is a state of forced surrender. This may be true in the octagon, but as co-heirs with Christ, “we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places” (Ephesians 6:12).
Submission cannot be forced. Compliance can be forced but submission is voluntary. Compliance is an outward expression, whereas submission takes place in the heart. This is why James tells us to wash our (outward) hands and purify our (inward) hearts. What good is a cup that is clean on the outside but filthy within? It may be nice to look at, but it can’t be filled until it is made clean.
The Lord warns us that this double-minded mentality is like being lukewarm (Revelation 3:15-16). Coffee is a pleasure when served hot or cold, but have you ever accidentally poured yourself a cup of coffee that has been sitting out for a day or two? It’s stale and bitter. Jesus doesn’t want us to become stale and bitter. He wants to anoint us afresh and fill our cup to overflowing, but we must humble ourselves and ask to be filled. In essence, Jesus is saying, get over yourself and under My love.
The Difference Between Courage and Pride
Submission is not a bad word. In fact, it’s packed with promises. Just look at its etymology: The prefix “sub” is defined as “to be under.” The word “mission” is defined as “an assignment.” To be submissive is “to be under an assignment.”
Our spiritual opposition wants to deceive the world into thinking that being submissive is a passive trait, when in fact, it is a voluntary action – an expression of our humility. It’s having a teachable spirit, free from stubbornness and pride.
James prefaces his word of exhortation by reminding us that “God opposes the proud but shows grace (favor) to the humble” (James 4:6). The spirit of pride can be obedient without being submissive. That is why it is important to understand the difference between courage and pride.
Courage is self-sacrificing, whereas pride is self-serving.
Courage is confidence through conviction, which develops character.
Pride is pleasure through self-promotion, which corrupts character.
My Prayer
Dear Jesus,
Thank you that Your Word remains forever and that I can trust you in all things. Give me the courage to die to pride. My confidence is found only in my identity in you. I submit myself to your calling and assignments for my life. I volunteer to be an active participant in your mission for me today and every day. I will obey you the first time. Help me to inspire others to do the same. Develop in us Christ-like character and fill us with a fresh anointing and a renewed outpouring of Your Holy Spirit.