Submission
James 4:7 Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. 4:8 Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded. 4:10 Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up.
In our world, submission often carries a negative connotation. It is seen as weakness or surrendering one's will to someone else's control. However, as believers, we are called to a different kind of submission one that leads to true freedom and a deeper relationship with our Heavenly Father.
In these verses above, James reveals the transformative power of submission. He starts by urging us to submit ourselves to God. This submission is not about giving up our autonomy or living in fear, but rather about recognizing that God is our loving Creator, and His ways are far better than ours. It is an acknowledgment that God's wisdom and guidance surpass our own limited understanding.
When we submit to God, we align ourselves with His purposes and plans. We willingly surrender our desires, ambitions, and even our worries to Him. It is an act of trust, acknowledging that God's ways are higher than our ways, and His thoughts are higher than our thoughts. In doing so, we place ourselves in a position to experience His peace, provision, and protection.
James continues by instructing us to resist the devil. Submission to God naturally leads us to resist the influences of evil in our lives. The devil seeks to tempt and deceive us, but when we submit to God, we find the strength to resist his schemes. We are empowered to overcome the enemy's attacks, for the Lord fights on our behalf. We are no longer slaves to sin but can live in victory through Christ.
However, the call to submission doesn't end there. James tells us to draw near to God. This invitation speaks of intimacy and communion with our Heavenly Father. It is an invitation to spend time with Him, to seek His presence, and to cultivate a deep relationship. When we draw near to God, we discover the joy of His fellowship, the comfort of His love, and the transformative power of His Spirit working within us.
Lastly, James encourages us to humble ourselves before the Lord. Humility is the key to true submission. It is an attitude that acknowledges our need for God and recognizes His rightful place as Lord of our lives. Humility helps us let go of pride, self-sufficiency, and self-centeredness. It opens the door for God's grace to flow freely into our lives.
When we humble ourselves before the Lord, He lifts us up. He exalts us in His perfect timing and according to His divine purposes. It is not the world's way of exaltation, based on power, wealth, or status, but a heavenly exaltation that brings true fulfillment, joy, and peace.
Dear reader, submission to God is not a one-time decision, but a daily, ongoing surrender of our will to His. It is a posture of the heart that seeks His guidance and aligns our lives with His purposes. Through submission, we experience the freedom and abundant life that Jesus promised.
So, I encourage you today, submit yourselves to God. Resist the devil. Draw near to God. Humble yourselves before the Lord and let us embrace the beauty of submission and allow God to work in and through us. May we find our true purpose and fulfillment as we surrender to His loving authority. In doing so, we will discover the richness of His blessings and the joy of a transformed life
God bless you.
Prayer key:
1. Lord thank you for the blessing of today in Jesus Christ name.
2. Lord, forgive me for lack of submissiveness in Jesus Christ name.
3. Lord, grant me the grace to submit my totality to you alone in Jesus Christ name.
4. Thank you Lord for answered prayers in Jesus Christ name. Amen.