Sunday 24 April 2016

Submission by Susan L.

  There's been plenty of time to do some more thinking. Submission has been at the forefront of those thoughts. I've often wondered why the capital "H" has been dropped off of the word "He" or "Him" or "His" when referring to Jesus in most modern, faith based writing. Maybe that isn't so much about submission but respect. No...it is about submitting to His (capital "H") authority in all aspects of life.
  Here's where the problems lay.
  It's in human nature to rebel. Adam and Eve had rebellion in their heart so it's been around a long time. It is part of what God gave us. Perhaps it's simply a part of free will and the ability to choose. Unless, of course, free will has been suffocated by those who would violently or otherwise abuse a position of authority. In those instances, it is more than right to fight or flee.
  That's not what this is about.  Rebellion is an attitude. A selfish one. North American culture has been great at fostering rebellion, the "get ahead at all costs".
   I watched a documentary on TV last night and the word other countries used to describe North Americans was "lonely". The two go hand in hand. The show also pointed out that we have half as many friends as we did fifty years ago.
  Is this because of rebellion? It takes commitment to set aside differences. It takes commitment to grow relationships. Yet, time and again, the media portrays infidelity and betrayal as actions that have no cost.
  They do.
  A rebellious attitude can only be wiped out by embracing respect.
  When I worked in the hardware store, I served an Asian gentleman who spoke no English. With the help of pen and paper and some rough artwork, it was easy to figure out what he needed. He smiled, his face beaming in delight, pressed his hands together and bowed to me when we were done. It was the most respect anyone had ever given this often invisible hardware store clerk who happened to know what a tractor hitch pin looked like. (Once again farm life served a purpose.)
  And maybe that's what it's all about: being a willing servant whether your position is one of authority or not. And maybe if we have authority, it would be good to remember we are in that place to serve those who have placed us there. If we served each other in all things, as opposed to waiting to be served then having a hissy fit when we don't get what we want, wouldn't our world become a better place?
  Lord, grant me a servant's heart. Bless me with discernment so I know how and when to serve. In Jesus' name I pray.
  "Just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many." Mat 20:28
 
 
  
 

No comments:

Post a Comment

Pattern

"For it was I, the Lord your God, who rescued you from the land of Egypt. Open your mouth wide, and I will fill it with good things.&qu...