A Prayer for Submission
By Dr. Neil T. Anderson
“Submit yourselves for the Lord's sake to every human institution.” 1 Peter 2:13
The world system in which we were raised says that you are nothing, so compete, scheme, achieve and strive to get ahead. The Bible teaches that you are something, so be submissive. Here's how Peter said it:
"You are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God's own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light; for once you were not a people, but now you are the people of God; you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy" (1 Peter 2:9,10).
Only after that affirmation of us being the people of God does Peter say, "Submit yourselves for the Lord's sake to every human institution" (verse 13), and "Servants, be submissive to your masters" (verse 18). He even relates it to the home: "In the same way, you wives, be submissive to your own husbands" (1 Peter 3:1).
Submission is not a dirty word; it is a liberating word. We are all under God's protective authority, and we can only be free if we seek it and submit to it. Coming under authority is your protection. Living free is your opportunity to be all that God created you to be.
There are two types of people who will never live up to their potential in Christ: those who can't do what they are told to do and those who won't do anything unless they are told. Don't wait to be told what you are already free to do. Step out in faith and live up to your potential in Christ.
You can bring light into a dark world if you will allow Christ to shine through you. You don't need a greater position; bloom where you are planted. Stop waiting for the big opportunity and seize the one you have. Someone in your world of influence desperately needs what Christ can do through you.
Prayer:
Lord, forgive me for my rebellious spirit. Teach me to be submissive and respectful to those in authority over me. Help me be a light in our dark world; let Christ shine through me. Give me eyes to see and ears to hear those around me who need Your gospel truth. Thank You for Your great love and tender mercy toward me. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Editor’s Note: Content taken from the Daily in Christ devotional, Be Submissive, written by Dr. Neil T. Anderson. You can read that piece in full here. All rights reserved.
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Drawing from his experience as a Marine who lived through the wars following 9/11, Jeremy explains why moments of global conflict can become powerful opportunities for parents to teach their children about courage, faith, and moral clarity. Rather than avoiding difficult conversations, parents can use them to help their kids understand fear, the reality of evil in the world, and the responsibility we have to stand for what is right.
This conversation explores how parents can alleviate fear, explain why conflict exists, and demonstrate a faith-filled response when the world seems chaotic. Jeremy also discusses the importance of teaching children the difference between necessary and unnecessary violence, why standing against evil matters, and how faith in God provides stability even in uncertain times. If this episode of March or Die helped your spiritual perspective, be sure to follow the show on Apple or Spotify so you never miss an episode!
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