Humility and submission go hand in hand. God’s Word tells us that, as Christians, we are to submit to one another in lowliness of mind. “Likewise you younger people, submit yourselves to your elders. Yes, ALL OF YOU BE SUBMISSIVE TO ONE ANOTHER, and be clothed with humility, for “GOD RESISTS THE PROUD, BUT GIVES GRACE TO THE HUMBLE.” (1 Peter 5:5) At the same time, being submissive and humble does not mean in any way, shape or form that we are to bow down to other people. Paul was very clear when he said that we are to SERVE GOD AND GOD ALONE. “You were bought at a price; do not become slaves of men.” (1 Corin. 7:23) “For do I now persuade men, or God? Or DO I SEEK TO PLEASE MEN? For if I still pleased men, I WOULD NOT BE A SERVANT OF CHRIST.” (Gal. 1:10)
If we are humble in our inner man, having a desire to do God’s will, then we will do WHATEVER IT TAKES to keep our hearts and minds pure. “Then having these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all defilements of flesh and spirit, PERFECTING HOLINESS IN THE FEAR OF GOD.” (2 Corin. 7:1)
Remember, we “…have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption by which we cry, Abba, Father…WE ARE THE CHILDREN OF GOD…WE ARE HEIRS; HEIRS OF GOD AND JOINT–HEIRS WITH CHRIST…” (Rom. 8:15-17)
-Bill Stockham