If you’re a man and it seems like your spiritual growth has slowed down or even stopped as of late, there’s a chance you have not fully submitted yourself to God.
A man can be a long-time believer in Jesus Christ, regularly attend a faithful, Bible-preaching church, and even serve in a volunteer ministry role. But if he has yet to surrender every part of his life to the Almighty, then his walk with Jesus will likely falter and he may find himself slipping back into old sins and ways of life.
As I like to say, “You can’t expect full-time growth by being a part-time Christian.”
Let’s first understand why submission is essential from a biblical perspective.
Why Submit?
When we read the Bible, we see time and again the importance of surrendering our will to God.
Proverbs 3:5-6 states, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.”
This verse emphasizes the need to trust God entirely instead of ourselves and acknowledge His wisdom above our own. When we do this, the Lord will guide the believer along life’s paths despite difficulties and hindrances.
Furthermore, Jesus Himself exemplified submission to the Father’s will in the Garden of Gethsemane, praying, “Father, if you are willing, remove this cup from me. Nevertheless, not my will, but yours, be done” (Luke 22:42). Even in the face of immense suffering, Jesus chose to submit to God’s plan, ultimately fulfilling His mission of dying for our sins.
So, brother, it’s simply wise to submit to Someone who knows every single nuance of the course that our lives are going to take.
How to Submit
The first step is to surrender control to God. Get on your knees and ask God to humble you and help you surrender control of every part of your being—body, mind, and spirit—to Him, no matter how difficult it may be for you.
Do you have any hidden areas you’ve been keeping under wraps? Give Him full authority over those, too.
Acknowledge His sovereignty over your entire life. Instead of relying on our limited understanding, we must trust His perfect wisdom and guidance. By relinquishing control, we open ourselves up to His divine plans, which are always for our ultimate good (Romans 8:28).
Next, we align our desires with God’s will. How do we accomplish this? By seeking His kingdom above all else (Matthew 6:33). As men, we’re often driven by ambition and worldly success, but true fulfillment comes from pursuing God’s purposes.
Third, submit to the Lord by reading His instructions in His Word. Obedience to God’s commands is not about legalism or duty but rather our relationship with the Father through Jesus.
In other words, it’s not something we begrudgingly do because an angry God expects us to follow lists of rules, but rather because we love and trust God as our Father to give the best wisdom to His children. Jesus said, “If you love me, keep my commands” (John 14:15). When we obey God, we demonstrate our love for Him and experience the freedom that comes from living in accordance with His truth.
Trusting in God’s timing can often be tough, as it requires daily patience and faith, but it’s a necessary step toward surrendering to Him. We may not always understand why life unfolds the way it does, but we can trust that God’s timing is perfect.
As Ecclesiastes 3:11 reminds us, “He has made everything beautiful in its time.”
Benefits of Submitting to God
Now, let’s peek at the benefits of submitting to God.
When we surrender to His timing, we find peace and assurance in His sovereign plan. He never promises an easy life, but the Lord Himself will strengthen us and guide us through our struggles.
When our desires align with Him and focus on Him, we find joy and contentment beyond measure. David wrote in Psalm 16:11a, “You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy.”
When was the last time you had the fullness of joy?
If it’s been a while, I advise you to turn to God and trust Him now.
By embracing His will for our lives, we not only fulfill His mission for us but also become better husbands and fathers at home. When we submit to God’s authority, we lead with humility and selflessness, yet with strength and boldness, reflecting Christ’s unstoppable and sacrificial love in our relationships.
The result?
Spiritual growth through Christ will improve your character and leadership skills, drastically improving your marriage and the way you parent your little ones!
It will help us when we face temptation from our spiritual enemy. James 4:7 commands us to “Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” The two-fold act of surrendering to God and repelling the devil’s advances will aid us in fighting sin.
So, submit to God and see what kind of transformative work He can do in you and through you!
Until next time, stay faithful, stay strong, and keep walking in God’s will.
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