Do you fight for equality and equal rights to such an extent that it defines the core value of your identity? Do you automatically count on God's blessing in your fight, with a halo over your head and floating on the elevated clouds of high morals, thinking unequality equals unjustice. Or do you feel a need to be a leader, to be in the front of the masses in the fight to spread the gospel?

The mantra of today is that everone are equals, and if someone is really lucky, he is a leader with lots of fans. Being a leader is more easily accepted if everyone has the same chance to make it. To freely submit to someone or to serve under someone is a thing one feels is less desirable or less honorable, perhaps even shameful and it often implies oppression. (Along with this line of thought is the public's love for seeing a leader being caught with his pants down. Nothing gives more thrills. It gives the ordinary person the enjoyment of superiority.)

Then how do you relate to the Bible's repeating call for brothers to submit, to be submissive and humble? «submitting to one another out of reverence for Christ.» (Ephesians ‭5:21‬ ‭ESV‬) «....... And all of you, dress yourselves in humility as you relate to one another, for “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.”» (1 Peter ‭5:5‬ ‭NLT‬) We are asked to count others higher than ourselves, and to serve rather than to boss around. If you feel less worthy if God has called you to be a toe instead of a brain, you need to halt and start questioning your own values.

Few will freely submit to anyone, and especially not to God and His will. And even many who call themselves christians attempt to create God in their own image, to get God in line with popular trends in western society. We are not here to exalt ourselves or to promote our own excellency. We are here to submit to God and to His plans for our lives. «“So why do you keep calling me ‘Lord, Lord!’ when you don’t do what I say?» (Luke ‭6:46‬ ‭NLT‬)

 

ARE WE EQUALS ?

What does the word of God say? What about equality?

«......... For there is no distinction: for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus,» (Romans ‭3:22-24‬ ‭ESV‬) We are all sinners. We are all in the same sinful situation.

«for in Christ Jesus you are all sons of God, through faith. For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.» (Galatians ‭3:26-28‬ ‭ESV) We all are saved through faith.‬

«For the Lord your God is God of gods and Lord of lords, the great, the mighty, and the awesome God, who is not partial and takes no bribe.» (Deuteronomy ‭10:17‬ ‭ESV‬) Nothing and nobody can keep God from judging fairly.

«......... For we will all stand before the judgment seat of God; for it is written, "As I live, says the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God." So then each of us will give an account of himself to God.» (Romans ‭14:10-12‬ ‭ESV‬) We are all going to stand before the supreme judge who has power over both body and soul.

«For in the resurrection they neither marry nor are given in marriage, but are like angels in heaven.» (Matthew ‭22:30‬ ‭ESV‬) On the new earth, whether man or woman today, we are all going to be like the angels.

But that is where equality stops.

 

AUDIENCE AND MOTIVE

Before we continue exploring equality and submission, let's consider this:

«.......... because we have become a spectacle to the world, to angels, and to men.» (1 Corinthians ‭4:9‬ ‭ESV‬) Heavenly angels are watching.

«Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us .........,» (Hebrews ‭12:1‬ ‭ESV‬) "A great cloud of witnesses" are watching.

«For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places.» (Ephesians ‭6:12‬ ‭NLT‬) Invisible powers and evil spirits in heavenly places are our adversaries.

So when we are asked to live out our lives in Christ, we are not doing it for peer recognition, family support, fans, for popularity, honor, wealth, glory, recognition or fame here on earth. On the contrary we can expect the opposite. «And if our hope in Christ is only for this life, we are more to be pitied than anyone in the world.» (1 Corinthians ‭15:19‬ ‭NLT‬) «Yes, and everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution.» (2 Timothy ‭3:12‬ ‭NLT‬) Our success is not measured by people's admiration or respect for us. Actually anyone living a godly life will suffer persecution.

«“........ For the time is coming when everything that is covered will be revealed, and all that is secret will be made known to all.» (Matthew ‭10:26‬ ‭NLT‬) It is so easy to limit our reality to what we can physically see in our lives on this earth. Some events are public. Others are thought to be hidden and secret. But all events are watched. I think most of the suffering is a well hidden secret between the victim and the offender in this life. But one day every little hidden secret detail will be totally exposed.

Also when we do secret good deeds, we are not forgotten: «But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you..... But when you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.» (Matthew ‭6:3-4, 6‬ ‭ESV‬)

«Then Peter said in reply, "See, we have left everything and followed you. What then will we have?" ........ And everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or children or lands, for my name's sake, will receive a hundredfold and will inherit eternal life.....» (Matthew ‭19:27, 29-30‬ ‭ESV‬) Every sacrifice we make in Christ will one day be richly rewarded.

A great unseen audience is watching us. Our perspective goes beyond this life on earth. We are here to please God. We are here to advance His kingdom and His standards of ethics as defined in His word, the Bible. How? By being right where God wants us to be. And for almost all of us, that means taking the challenge of being submissive.

 

UNEQUALITY HERE AND FOREVER

The Bible accepts and promotes unequality or differences among humans. This is illustrated more in other articles on this website. But it is important to notice that unequality exist on this sinful world as well as in the next sinless world.

We know Jesus had many disciples, but he selected twelve of them to be apostles, and among them there were three in the inner group (Peter, John and Jacob), and among them Peter got a special leadership role and John was especially loved. So was that unfair to those many followers that were not among these? No. Was it unequality? Yes. And on top of it all was Jesus who was and is and will be the supreme boss who do not need consent from anyone in his decisions.

Later there was a discussion about who was going to sit on the immediate right and left side of Jesus in the eternal kingdom. Jesus confirmed that someone would get those seats. However, he proclaimed that the way to the top is to aim for submission. «and whoever would be first among you must be slave of all.» (Mark ‭10:44‬ ‭ESV‬) The frame of mind in any role we have is humility and not self-exultation.

«But many who are first will be last, and the last first.» (Matthew ‭19:30‬ ‭ESV‬) There will be unequality or differences also in the coming perfect world. However, everybody will be content and happy. And on top of it all is God who for ever is the supreme man in charge. There will be no democracy there.

Jesus submitted to the role He was given here on earth. However, He did not submit to the followers He was called to lead. He was humble, but strong.

 

DIFFERENT ROLES

We tend to focus on what role we want to play. However, we benefit more by focusing on playing our role as good as possible. Us sticking to our role enables others to function in their role. Everybody are interdependant. The role we have here is temporary, less than a hundred years. How we play that role has eternal consequences.

Do you think you yourself can pick your role? Watch out! Be careful! «For those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.”» (Luke ‭14:11‬ ‭NLT‬) In the kingdom of God we cannot elbow our way to the top. Instead we do better by being humble, the opposite of exalting oneself. That is the way to go.

Along with a humble state of mind, we also need to submit to God's will, by accepting the role He has assigned to us. And that role may be insignificant in our eyes. Functioning in a quiet and anonomous role is fine. «......, for you yourselves have been taught by God to love one another, ..... But we urge you ..... to aspire to live quietly, and to mind your own affairs, and to work with your hands, as we instructed you, so that you may walk properly before outsiders and be dependent on no one.» (1.Thessalonians ‭4:9-12‬ ‭ESV‬)

Let us now discuss two types of roles. One type is obviously given at birth. That means that it is physically visible and not given on the basis of efforts, qualifications or intellect. The other type is less physically visible.

 

SUBMISSION BY BIRTH

From birth we exist as a part of a wordly society.

«Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God. Therefore whoever resists the authorities resists what God has appointed, and those who resist will incur judgment. For rulers are not a terror to good conduct, but to bad. Would you have no fear of the one who is in authority? Then do what is good, and you will receive his approval, for he is God's servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword in vain. For he is the servant of God, an avenger who carries out God's wrath on the wrongdoer. Therefore one must be in subjection, not only to avoid God's wrath but also for the sake of conscience. For because of this you also pay taxes, for the authorities are ministers of God, attending to this very thing. Pay to all what is owed to them: taxes to whom taxes are owed, revenue to whom revenue is owed, respect to whom respect is owed, honor to whom honor is owed.» (Romans ‭13:1-7‬ ‭ESV‬)

«Show me the coin for the tax." And they brought him a denarius. And Jesus said to them, "Whose likeness and inscription is this?" They said, "Caesar's." Then he said to them, "Therefore render to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are God's."» (Matthew ‭22:19-21‬ ‭ESV‬)

«Remind them to be submissive to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good work,» (Titus ‭3:1‬ ‭ESV‬)

«Keep your conduct among the Gentiles honorable, so that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day of visitation. Be subject for the Lord's sake to every human institution, whether it be to the emperor as supreme, or to governors as sent by him to punish those who do evil and to praise those who do good. For this is the will of God, that by doing good you should put to silence the ignorance of foolish people.» (1 Peter ‭2:12-15‬ ‭ESV‬)

Recognize that we need to obey even when we disagree strongly with those in power. We do not submit only when authorities are sinless, which they never are. But God loves an organized and orderly society. We submit because God wants us be humble and to respect an orderly society.

We are born either man or woman. God did not create one man, not two men, not one woman, and not two women. He did not create transgenderism, lesbianism, homosexuality or bisexuality. Neither did he create neutral humans. God wanted a visible, functional difference from conseption to grave based on two genders that are alike, but still different enough to create attraction, fascination and dependancy. Since that is God's design it defines normality and so it needs to be clearly visible in function (at home and in the greater society), in dressing and also in sexuality. The man is in charge and the woman is his submissive support, made for him. Note that the man is not asked to submit to the woman. Genderwise, only the woman is asked to submit. This subject is discussed in another article on this website, with plenty of Bibletexts. I don't care to defend, explain why or excuse God's design. If you don't like it, your issue is not with me. Take it up with God. I don't have enough braincapacity to understand or to explain this fully. I just accept it. Period. This has nothing to do with who you or anyone think is best qualified. It has everything to do with submitting to God and accepting his design even when it doesn't make sense to you. I am certain that our lives depend much more on God's blessings than anything else.

However, keep in mind that use of force is Satan's preferred tool and it leads to oppression. God desires voluntary submission. It is she herself that willfully submits to her husband as the church submits to Jesus. And it is he himself that willfully makes sacrifices to be a good and protective provider, like Jesus is for his church. A good leader is strong, but not abusive.

Time of birth, age, also calls for submission. «In the same way, you who are younger must accept the authority of the elders........» (1 Peter ‭5:5‬ ‭NLT‬) Again certain people, in this case the younger versus the older, are asked to submit. Note that elders are not asked to submit to the younger. However, everybody are asked to be humble and not proud. Submission has an element of respect for the other combined with a desire to help that person shine. Everyone has someone in the society to submit to.

That brings us right into the second type of role:

 

SUBMISSION BY SERVICE

«Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; and there are varieties of service, but the same Lord; and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who empowers them all in everyone. To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good...... For just as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of the body, though many, are one body, so it is with Christ. ......For the body does not consist of one member but of many. If the foot should say, "Because I am not a hand, I do not belong to the body," that would not make it any less a part of the body. And if the ear should say, "Because I am not an eye, I do not belong to the body," that would not make it any less a part of the body. If the whole body were an eye, where would be the sense of hearing? If the whole body were an ear, where would be the sense of smell? But as it is, God arranged the members in the body, each one of them, as he chose. If all were a single member, where would the body be? As it is, there are many parts, yet one body. The eye cannot say to the hand, "I have no need of you," nor again the head to the feet, "I have no need of you." On the contrary, the parts of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable, and on those parts of the body that we think less honorable we bestow the greater honor, and our unpresentable parts are treated with greater modesty, which our more presentable parts do not require. But God has so composed the body, giving greater honor to the part that lacked it, that there may be no division in the body, but that the members may have the same care for one another. If one member suffers, all suffer together; if one member is honored, all rejoice together. Now you are the body of Christ and individually members of it. And God has appointed in the church first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then miracles, then gifts of healing, helping, administrating, and various kinds of tongues. Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Do all work miracles? Do all possess gifts of healing? Do all speak with tongues? Do all interpret? But earnestly desire the higher gifts. And I will show you a still more excellent way.» (1 Corinthians ‭12:4-7, 12, 14-31‬ ‭ESV‬)

In the body of Christ there are different functions. We are not here to promote ourselves. The body functions because no part is equal to any other part. A sick unfunctional part disables the whole body. A healthy functinal part enables the other parts of the body. Everybody is different and unique. That is the beauty of it.

This fact implies that some are leaders and some are not. And God wants us to submit to that order. «Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they are keeping watch over your souls, as those who will have to give an account. Let them do this with joy and not with groaning, for that would be of no advantage to you.» (Hebrews ‭13:17‬ ‭ESV‬) "shepherd the flock of God that is among you, exercising oversight, not under compulsion, but willingly, as God would have you; not for shameful gain, but eagerly; not domineering over those in your charge, but being examples to the flock. And when the chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory."» (1 Peter ‭5:2-4 ESV‬)

Also In our secular work we are also asked to submit to the order of things and accept levels of authority.

«Bondservants, obey in everything those who are your earthly masters, not by way of eye-service, as people-pleasers, but with sincerity of heart, fearing the Lord. Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ.» (Colossians 3:22-24 ESV) «Bondservants, obey your earthly masters with fear and trembling, with a sincere heart, as you would Christ,» (Ephesians ‭6:5‬ ‭ESV‬) As employees we are encouraged to be obedient and faithful workers. It is a question of integrity as sincere christians. Besides, a humble employee will do nothing to expose the employer's weaknesses or shortcomings.

On the flipside are employers, those in charge. They don't need to excuse themselves for taking charge and lead out. «Masters, treat your bondservants justly and fairly, knowing that you also have a Master in heaven.» (Colossians‭ 4:1‬ ‭ESV‬) Bosses will do well in remembering that they one day will answer to the supreme boss in heaven that watches us and our actions.

Also socially we are asked to be humble and submissive. «But when you are invited, go and sit in the lowest place, so that when your host comes he may say to you, 'Friend, move up higher.' Then you will be honored in the presence of all who sit at table with you.» (Luke ‭14:10‬ ‭ESV‬) In no walk of life are we asked to exalt ourselves.

 

LIMITATION TO OUR SUBMISSION

God is our supreme leader in charge. If anyone tells us to disregard God, we shall not be submissive. Here are two examples:

Facing death by fire and in front of the ruling king, read these wonderful words: «Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego answered and said to the king, "O Nebuchadnezzar, we have no need to answer you in this matter. If this be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and he will deliver us out of your hand, O king. But if not, be it known to you, O king, that we will not serve your gods or worship the golden image that you have set up."» (Daniel ‭3:16-18‬ ‭ESV‬)

«And when they had brought them, they set them before the council. And the high priest questioned them, saying, "We strictly charged you not to teach in this name, yet here you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching, and you intend to bring this man's blood upon us." But Peter and the apostles answered, "We must obey God rather than men.» (Acts ‭5:27-29‬ ‭ESV‬)

But keep in mind that bad leadership does not excuse you from submitting. «...... ." Then Sarai dealt harshly with her, and she fled from her.» (Genesis ‭16:6‬ ‭ESV‬) «The angel of the Lord said to her, "Return to your mistress and submit to her."» (Genesis ‭16:9‬ ‭ESV‬)

 

REWARD

So God gives only someone great leadership roles or certain desirable gifts. Can anyone with an unsignificant role in life, be rewarded as those with desirables gifts? Yess! When we respect God's order of things, we are rewarded as if we had the most significant role.

«The one who receives a prophet because he is a prophet will receive a prophet's reward, and the one who receives a righteous person because he is a righteous person will receive a righteous person's reward. And whoever gives one of these little ones even a cup of cold water because he is a disciple, truly, I say to you, he will by no means lose his reward."» (Matthew ‭10:41-42‬ ESV)

Let us not exalt ourselves. Let us instead exalt God by submitting to our role in God's massive machinery.

 

 

 

 If you are touched by these words, share your experience with someone. The body of Christ was broken on the cross for our sins, and his blood was poured out so that we can experience his revitalizing power. Praise him! He is alive and he wants to spend eternity with you.