TOTAL SUBMISSION
RWM Women’s Conference 2007
Grace and
Peace Daughters of the Most High!
The theme for this year’s conference was a revelation
I received during the Threshing Floor Conference last year. And while I
understand that the word “submission” raises a red flag when mentioned to
women, it is a biblical principle that embodies several fundamental concepts of
our Christian walk. First, we are to submit to God. “Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee
from you” (James 4:7). Further instructions exhort us to submit to one
another, and those who are married, to their husbands: “Submitting
yourselves one to another in the fear of God. Wives, submit yourselves unto
your own husbands, as unto the Lord” (Ephesians 5:21-22).
What makes this little six-letter word so intensive
in the life of a Christian? One aspect of its meaning is surrender. As the hymn
writer so eloquently penned “All to Jesus I surrender, all to Him I freely
give.” To submit means to willingly yield, to agree, accept, and give in. As
God’s daughters, we often find ourselves in situations that require us to make
hard decisions. As employees, as citizens, as wives, and even as
Christians—there will always be times we will enter the place of conflicting
views. The valley of decision must be crossed when the choices we face
challenge our moral uprightness and obligation to the things and statutes of
God. When my sister wrongs me, will I forgive as the scripture instructs, or
will I hold a grudge? When faced with temptation, will I give in or resist?
When my face is slapped, will I offer the other cheek? Will I agree with my
adversary and keep peace, or determine to promote my own cause even if it means
operating in strife and contention?
Submission looks weak, but taken in the context of
the previous scenarios; it is plain to see that a submissive woman is clearly
one of strength, integrity, character, and active love. A submissive daughter
of Christ understands that the greater cause is more important than her own is.
She is committed to promoting the cause of Christ rather than her own. She
values enlivening Christ’s purpose in her heart, her home, and relationships in
the church and the world.
Having this in mind, our first resolve must be to
represent well our Savior. Jesus’ example of acquiescence at
However, as James indicated in his powerful verse,
submitting to God also requires resistance to the devil. For this purpose, the
Lord has provided us with some powerful weapons to aid us in this arduous task;
the whole armor of God. Ephesians 6:11-18 reveals that submission to God puts
us in a wrestle against spiritual wickedness. For this fight, He has provided
us with truth for our loins, a breastplate of righteousness, the gospel for our
walk, a shield of faith for our hearts, and a helmet of salvation for our
minds. We can only submit to God by resisting the devil wearing this battle
gear. As Christ enables us to be victorious through His strategies, the devil
will be under our feet. He will submit
to the Holy Ghost power in us! Submission is the key!
As we prepare our hearts and minds for the days
ahead, let us lay the groundwork necessary for unity on the frontlines. I pray
that the Lord will give you deeper understanding of the weapons of our warfare,
and the intensity of the war that is waged against us. Be bold, be strong my
sisters, for the Lord thy God is with thee!
LadyPortia
W.A.R. Chairlady