To submit is to put ourselves in subjection to others and to obey others. This is not something that our pride will allow us to do. Even when we do submit, it is always based on certain conditions, eg: there are benefits or gains for us. Submission is not a natural behaviour, not even for believers.

As “strangers and pilgrims” (1 Pet 2:11), the way we live is to reflect the love of God in Christ. God never allows us to bargain how we may live on earth. The first five books of the Bible prescribe how Israel is to live. The church today must also submit to God’s instructions to us as to how we ought to live. 1 Peter 2:13-14 sets the basis of our submission. “Submit yourselves to every ordinance” means whatever man has instituted over us, we must obey cheerfully “for the Lord’s sake,” even if we have to suffer. 1 Peter 2:15 says, “For so is the will of God.” It is God’s will that we submit. Our response to this will reveal our attitude, our heart and our mind. Are we happy to submit and obey knowing that it is God’s predetermined will for our lives. To accept the will of God is to unconditionally and absolutely surrender to God. And we are to submit “as the servants of God” (1 Pet 2:16). We are to have the mindset of a humble servant. We do what the Master wants us to do whether we like it or not. We are to remember that we are nobody.

1 Thessalonians 5:18 says, “In everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.” So, when we murmur and complain, we are not submitting to God’s will for us. But when we submit to God and do well, the impact of our well-doing would be to “put to silence the ignorance of foolish men” (1 Pet 2:15). The “foolish men” refer to those who are not born again. We are to share the gospel with them. And by our good works, they can see the Christ of the Bible. Finally, God’s will is described in 1 Peter 2:17: “Honour all men. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honour the king.” Let us swallow our pride and cherish our relationships with one another.

Submit and obey with the fear of God until He takes us home.