Submitted

“Woe to the shepherds who destroy and scatter the sheep of My pasture!” Jeremiah 23,1 NKJV

Abuse of power. Abuse of authority.

Even the thought of it can arouse anger. That’s how bad it is.

But imagine how it’s like for God who sees how some people take advantage of the weak, people who had the responsibility to protect ending up causing harm.

But how does abuse of power or authority really happen?

I believe it happens, in the ‘best-case’ scenario, by ignorance (like it’s a hidden flaw to the person doing it). Second possibility: out of fear of losing position or in order to maintain status quo, some begin to use manipulation and control. Lastly, in the worst-case scenario, it is just because of pride, wickedness and self-exaltation.

Unfortunately, such behavior can also be seen even with Christians.

This article is not meant to point fingers or to condemn anybody but to highlight an important aspect in light of the latest discussions on purpose, assignment, anointing and walking in the power and authority given by God.

Coming back to the causes, I believe, at the root, abuse of power happens when there is a lack of submission to God.

When people are elevated to high positions, it can happen that they forget that they don’t know it all and that they don’t see it all. This can reach a point where God becomes obsolete and unimportant to them. Other things become important, consulting God in making decisions is not even a consideration.

Then Jesus answered and said to them, “Most assuredly, I say to you, the Son can do nothing of Himself, but what He sees the Father do; for whatever He does, the Son also does in like manner.” John 5,19 NKJV

Our Lord Jesus demonstrated submission. As the Son of God, He submitted to the Father.

“For I have come down from heaven, not to do My own will, but the will of Him who sent Me.” (John 6,38).

The book of John uniquely portrays, with the words of Jesus, this Father-Son relationship and how much it mattered for Jesus. Jesus always retreated in prayer to hear from His Father.

I would define being “submitted” as “willing to listen and ready to obey”

Submission is a posture of the heart. It has to be premeditated. It is a proactive decision.

One has to decide that God’s opinion is most important and to obey Him will not depend on feelings.

In today’s world, however, the word submission doesn’t sound flattering.

In the nature of things, all people are equal and that before God.

But in the order things, they are not. For every organization of people, there is hierarchy.

Hierarchy is not inherently bad. God’s design was not for man to dominate his fellow man.

In fact, for whatever position of being 'ahead' or of being 'the head', it was given for the benefit of followers or people. Love (for the other) should be the ultimate factor in leading or influencing another.

With the fall of Adam and Eve, the principle of hierarchy remained but the hearts of men became distant to God (generally speaking), evil and wickedness began to spread and this brought about injustice.

Injustice in families, injustice in societies, injustice in organizations, etc.

Nonetheless, there is a remedy for it: Submission. As crazy and counterproductive it may sound, submission to God is the remedy for injustice.

“If the temper of the ruler rises up against you, do not leave your place [or show a resisting spirit]; for gentleness and calmness prevent or put a stop to great offenses.” Ecclesiastes 10,4 AMPC

Taking offence because of someone in authority is one of the temptations that comes our way!

But, it’s an opportunity to learn how to rule our spirit and not be overtaken by anger.

Here is the thing, as God ordained things, we cannot correct upward. We may express our grievances but really God is the one in position to defend us: the God who gave power and the God who is over them. Because, at the end of the day, God is at the top of every hierarchy! He is the one we should go to for justice.

Our God is a God of justice. He said: “Vengeance is mine” (Deuteronomy 32,35)

“Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you.” (James 4,7 NKJV)

Submission to God requires death to self. Submission is humility. Submission is maturity. Submission is a sign of strength. Submission is to say 'God, your way is better than mine'.

^"The Lord will fight for you while you [only need to] keep silent and remain calm." (Exodus 14,14 AMP)

"Your name, Lord, endures forever,

your renown, Lord, through all generations.

For the Lord will vindicate his people

and have compassion on his servants." Psalm 135,13-14 NIV