Submission is not in the DNA of sinful man: we do what is right in our own eyes. The world submits only through threats of punishment or enticements. As Christians, we are now spiritual beings, so we must do what is right in God’s eye.

The younger submit to the elder

As believers, we now have a new DNA of submission. Submission is not an option; it is God’s commandment. If we are truly born again in Christ, we have to obey. The “elder” in 1 Peter 5:5 refers to those who are more senior in age (not the office of the person). The target is the younger and the action is to the elder. This is more common in the Asian culture than in the Western culture where children can address their parents by name. Nevertheless, our youths are influenced by the Western culture. The younger’s respect of the elder is disappearing. Parents must, for example, teach their children to greet their elders before a meal. We are to submit to those who are older than us just because they are older. When we are faithful in little, we will be faithful in much. It is easier to teach our children to submit when they are young. As they grow older, it gets more difficult to teach them. The Bible commands the younger to submit to the elder; just as Jesus submitted to God the Father.

Submit to one another

We are also to submit to one another regardless of age. To“subject” (1 Pet 5:5) is the same Greek word as to “submit.” When parents have wronged their children, they are to put aside their pride and apologise for their errors. This will be a wonderful example as to how we are to “subject one to another.”

Submit to God

God resists the proud, and He can stop us from being proud. Just as God gave Paul a thorn in the flesh, God can use sickness, loss of job, etc to humble us. He wants to use us, and cannot let us remain proud. When we are young, we have little to be proud of. But when we are older and more experienced, the sin of the pride of life becomes very real (eg: King David in his old age). Remember that our achievements are by the grace of God.

This must be our culture now: submit to one another. We must pray without ceasing; for a person who prays knows that he needs God.