Joe Champion (what a name!! I’d love a last name like CHAMPION) Tweets on 25^th August 2010, “Submission is just a word until there is a difference of opinion or view. When faced w/ a difference of opinion or view, can we submit?”

Today most people feel they have the right to express their opinion. “This is what I think!” Surely it is a divine right to make clear our thoughts, views or position on a subject.

But how do we navigate the waters where there is a divergent view or a different opinion? When is it now “right” to state my opinion? When do I take a stand or not take a stand based on my opinion?

Let’s start with a proverb; “Opinions are like belly buttons and everyone has one and they are all full of lint.” Now the literary source for this proverb is a bit obscure but most people will laugh and then agree. Everyone when asked would have an opinion.

The bible word submission is surrounded with suspicion in our 21^st Century politically correct world; especially for newly wedding women who don’t want to say they will submit to their new husbands. But the word is clearly IN the Bible. So what do we make of it?

Let me start with a good scripture we can all agree on. Ephesians 5:21 says, “Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ.” 

1. Firstly, this verb tense in the original language is present continuous. That means the act of submitting to one another is a thing I am doing now and continuously.
 
2. “... One another,” speaks of a mutual acting with each other – you do it and I do it too. We are mutually submitting to each other – in my church Proclaimers we shorten this message by using a phrase “learning to flow together.” I think flowing together captures the meaning of the word submit. Let me explain further.
 

3. Submit: Greek - hupotasso (hoop-ot-as'-so); being reflexive and responsive.Its other meanings are to subordinate yourself to another and believe me it’s a good idea to do what the boss says if you want to stay employed, it’s good to do what your teacher says if you want to pass the subject, wisdom says if you want to live you should obey your mother, she brought you into this world she can take you out! Be afraid be very afraid. (For those of you with no sense of humour this is intended as a joke and you should laugh right about here.)

In the contexts, outside of clear lines of authority, like with church, with other leaders around you and with say the teams your part of there is a such a need for this spirit this attitude of just being responsive and reflexive being willing to maybe surrender your cherished opinion for what your leader is saying or directing. Sure if you feel you have a point of view that REALLY needs to be heard then politely share your view; but if it is rejected then respond be reflexive and make your stance one that shows a willingness to “flow together” with your leader, your pastor, your team and those around you.

Things can get heated when it comes to opinion. Make sure you don’t fan the flame. Take care to follow the other biblical principles of reasonable interaction instead of hanging on to your “inalienable right” to state your opinion.

Learn what this scripture encourages us to do in 1 Thessalonians 5:12-13, “Now we ask you, brothers, to respect those who work hard among you, who are over you in the Lord and who admonish you. Hold them in the highest regard in love because of their work. Live in peace with each other.”

One last comment; people submit to you; you can’t force someone to do that! The day of the harsh leader is over. We cannot abide a mean spirit, “bull-in-a-chine-shop” approach to God’s people. People won't take it and it’s not in the spirit of Christ’s leadership.

Look at that scripture in Hebrews 13:17, “Obey your leaders and submit to their authority. They keep watch over you as men who must give an account. Obey them so that their work will be a joy, not a burden, for that would be of no advantage to you.”

The word “obey” is a broad word used here and it means to agree with, assure, believe, have confidence in, make friend with, trust and yield to; big difference from just blinding doing what you’re told.

The word “submit” here comes from another Greek word but has the same root word as the Ephesians scripture and means to yield to, or surrender to their leadership. Again this is NOT mindless following but being inspired to follow someone who is following Christ.

Remember submission is not submission until you disagree and have to surrender your opinion!