SUBMISSIVENESS is the readiness or willingness to yield to the wishes of others. To empower this beautiful value, we must first understand what chain of command is.
Chain of command is the series of positions in order of authority which we can identify in our family, school or workplace. We submit to these authorities in respect, humility, obedience, truth, righteousness and love.
It is clearly stated in the Book of Romans that, “Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. Consequently, whoever rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves.
Rulers hold no terror for those who do right but for those who do wrong. Do you want to be free from fear of the one in authority? Then do what is right and you will be commended. For one in authority is God’s servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for rulers do not bear the sword for no reason. They are God’s servants, agents of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer. Therefore, it is necessary to submit to the authorities, not only because of possible punishment but also as a matter of conscience. Give to everyone what you owe them: If you owe respect, then respect; if honor, then honor.”
Submitting in Respect
The chain of command does not imply that we only respect and submit to those people who are of higher authority than us. We also submit to others at our level and below us by showing honor in how we think, communicate and work with them.
Submitting in Humility
Without humility, it is almost impossible to truly submit to any authority for if we always think of ourselves highly than we ought to be, we would always reject the chain of command whether it be in the family, school or workplace. As a result, when we violate the chain of command by any means, we will suffer negative consequences. Often times we see authority as control and we miss its essence which is for protection, covering and accountability.
Submitting in Obedience, Truth and Righteousness
The tangible manifestation of submission is obedience. But obedience must be aligned to what is true and righteous. It does not mean that we must obey every single instruction given to us. We have the freedom to reason whether the instruction is good or bad and we have the power to choose and decide to obey what is right and fight against what is wrong.
Submitting in Love
Love must be the driving force of submission. If we submit because of fear, obedience will only be short-lived.