1Pe 5:5 Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resists the proud, and giveth grace to the humble.

Eph 5:22 Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto the Lord.

~ We are commanded to submit
~ Submission is a pattern for order
~ Submission is conditional, therefore optional.

For the women, the doctrine of submission brings up many legitimate questions: What if my husband is ungodly; what if he asks me something to do that is ungodly; what if my husband is a fool; what if I am certain he is dead wrong; If he gets his way unchallenged, doesn't this reinforces his domineering attitude, he wins by default; Don't I have a responsibility to my children, not to subject them to some of the foolishness that this submission might bring?

Though the initial reading of the scriptures above, seem to indicate that submission is unconditional, this is not true. Romans 13 tells us we should submit to government, but the early Church demonstrated this is not be absolute. We are told to submit to the leaders in the church, but as we have seen, absolute submission creates problems that force it's followers into irreconcilable contradictions.

Submission must begin with a predisposition 'of willing to stand under God's direction, even implemented through imperfect authority'. The best picture of this is given to us in the stories of the anointed King of Israel, David. And the life of Joseph, both who suffered under those who were their lessors. A careful reading of the stories shows how God used their submitted position to develop their character, and ultimately change everything around them. Another example are the stories of Daniel and Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego. In all their dealings they demonstrated submission and respect for those who God placed over them; yet, in all these cases, they were better than their overseers.

Not only do these bible stories show respect and submission, but they also demonstrate that there is a time for dissent. "Submission", has one purpose, to create order. The pattern of order is repeated constantly throughout scripture. Room prohibits going into detail, so you'll either have to peruse the scripture yourself, or just trust me. Armies, Governments, Homes, Businesses, Social institutions and Churches all require order. Submission is the oil that allows Order to work smoothly.

In all areas of submission, dissent is a very dangerous thing, but sometimes it is required. But be warned, if there isn't a predisposition to submit to authority, one will never know when is the right time for voicing disagreement. I think a workable rule when to dissent, is when it's a matter of conscience or safety. In this case, conscience could be defined, doing something that requires you to go against your faith. Safety is a little more complicated when it comes to the children. Because 'safety' can include emotional damage, as well as physical. For instance, when is a mother supposed to protect her child? This opens the topic to when to separate or divorce. That's another large topic. But it can be said, parents can pass on their fears, rebellious ideas, and understandings to their child. If a mother demonstrates a good attitude, the child is likely to emulate her. However, if the mother is always complaining or fearful or playing the victim, the child is likely to copy that as well. So some suffering is simply a self convincing of being the victim, when maybe it's actually trivial. "So, you have to do without a cell phone for a few years, till your on your own, how tragic".

The biggest issue in the topic of submission has to do with allowing God to work, taking up your cross. Many simply short circuit the work of God in their lives by running away, sacrificing all they've vowed and the principles that make for a successful life, all so they can be their own boss. For this liberation, many women unwittingly take their children down that same road of shallow Christianity. Instead, what they should be doing, is demonstrating faithfulness to God's principles. Consider this verse,

When the anointed King David, found King Saul asleep at his feet,  and since Saul tried to kill him several times, he was counseled by his ungodly men to take the life of Saul. Everything around him, the miraculous sleep, the men's counsel, the easy escape, the anointing of God over his own life, Saul's behavior, the endorsement of the famous prophet Samuel, and probably his own logic, told him to take Saul's life. Yet this is what he said,

Though David was the anointed King, he still saw that Saul was also anointed for some purpose, perhaps only known by God. He refused to interrupt the process by his own hand.

Mothers, taking up the cross, more than any other thing, is what you need to example, encourage, and teach your children. And the best school for it is the family.

1Co 1:18 For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God.

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