The "S" Word- Part 3: Perks of Submission
Submission entails a lot of sacrifice/ dying to one’s flesh but you may be wondering, what is in it for me? When you examine the root of any conscious sacrifice, you will discover that the benefits derived from such sacrifice outweighs the costs of that sacrifice, making it worthwhile. The same goes with submission in marriage. Join me as we explore some of the perks/ benefits of submission.
Perks of Submission
Divine Covering/ Protection
Leadership is not all about titles and position but involves responsibilities. According to Ephesians 5:23, husbands have been chosen as the head of the wives and one of the responsibilities of the head is being a divine covering over his wife. When Boaz woke up at midnight to notice a woman (Ruth) lying at his feet, he asked Ruth who she was and she answered:
“I am Ruth, your servant girl. Spread your cover over me. You are my protector.” (Ruth 3:9 ERV)
Ruth was ready to submit to the authority of Boaz as a potential husband to her and she recognized that entitled her to his covering/ protection. Just like an ambassador is under the authority of the nation he/she is representing and as such, he/she is entitled to protective details, the same goes for a woman under the authority of her husband. Such a woman enjoys divine protection against the attacks of the enemy as the husband is a line of defense against the enemy. This was the concept the Holy Spirit was explaining to me in the dream I had where my husband was a shield over me from a demonic being (Refer to the full story here). Humility is said to be a form of defense and since submission requires humility, one of the benefits derived from submission is defense. It is no wonder that as a child of God, we are hidden under the shadow of the Almighty God (Psalm 91:1) because we are under God’s authority and the same concept applies in marriage.
2. Divine Backup from God
One reason, amongst others, why submission in marriage is resisted by many ladies is because of the fear of being maltreated and subjugated in the name of “submission”. Hence, many ladies have vowed not to submit to their husbands and view this instruction from scriptures as a wicked one. I’m here to tell you that God is not a wicked God but instead He sees you as a priceless jewel and desires the very best for you as a woman and wife. Instead of the burden of watching your own back and defending yourself, God has decided to take on the role to be your rear guard (Isaiah 58:8), one who would be your defender and protector. It is no wonder that God has put a safety net and asked that husbands deal with their wives with understanding, to ensure their prayers are not hindered.
“In the same way, you husbands, live with your wives in an understanding way [with great gentleness and tact, and with an intelligent regard for the marriage relationship], as with someone physically weaker, since she is a woman. Show her honor and respect as a fellow heir of the grace of life, so that your prayers will not be hindered or ineffective.” (1 Peter 3:7 Amplified).
Decide to allow God play His part in being your personal defender and rear guard as compared to taking this responsibility on your back.
3. Divine Reinforcement
Not only has God decided to back us up but submission to our husbands also commands divine reinforcement against challenges. When Rebekah was without child, Isaac interceded for her and God heard his prayer and made her pregnant (Genesis 25:21). If Rebekah was not submissive, it could have been challenging for Isaac to stand in the gap for Rebekah. The bible says we should make it easy for leaders over us to do so with joy and not grief in order for it to profit us. Husbands are spiritual authorities and leaders over us as wives.
“Obey your [spiritual] leaders and submit to them [recognizing their authority over you], for they are keeping watch over your souls and continually guarding your spiritual welfare as those who will give an account [of their stewardship of you]. Let them do this with joy and not with grief and groans, for this would be of no benefit to you.” (Hebrews 13:17 AMP)
Isaac could have gone the easy route of getting Rebekah’s maidservant pregnant (similar to what happened with Abraham and Sarah) but instead, he prayed to God without any pressure from Rebekah, until God heard his prayers. There are blessings we gain when we live a life of submission to our husbands and blessings are lost when submission is lacking. Submission is not just in our speech but in our actions, thoughts as well. It is a thing of the heart. Let’s examine an incident with Michal and David in 2 Samuel 6:16-23 AMPC.
“16 As the ark of the Lord came into the City of David, Michal, Saul’s daughter [David’s wife], looked out of the window and saw King David leaping and dancing before the Lord, and she despised him in her heart.
17 They brought in the ark of the Lord and set it in its place inside the tent which David had pitched for it, and David offered burnt offerings and peace offerings before the Lord.
18 When David had finished offering the burnt offerings and peace offerings, he blessed the people in the name [and presence] of the Lord of hosts,
19 And distributed among all the people, the whole multitude of Israel, both to men and women, to each a cake of bread, a portion of meat, and a cake of raisins. So all the people departed, each to his house.
20 Then David returned to bless his household. And [his wife] Michal daughter of Saul came out to meet David and said, How glorious was the king of Israel today, who stripped himself of his kingly robes and uncovered himself in the eyes of his servants’ maids as one of the worthless fellows shamelessly uncovers himself!
21 David said to Michal, It was before the Lord, Who chose me above your father and all his house to appoint me as prince over Israel, the people of the Lord. Therefore will I make merry [in pure enjoyment] before the Lord.
22 I will be still more lightly esteemed than this, and will humble and lower myself in my own sight [and yours]. But by the maids you mentioned, I will be held in honor.
23 And Michal the daughter of Saul had no child to the day of her death.”
It’s unfortunate to see that Michal lost the opportunity to be blessed by her husband, David and remained barren for the rest of her life. Her legacy ended with her and nothing from her was transferred to the next generation. Who knows, Jesus Christ could have come from her own seed but she missed that opportunity due to a lack of submission.
Another way divine reinforcement is enjoyed is having the faith of your authority (your hubby) work for you when your faith is not strong enough. The faith of Abraham worked for Sarah when she doubted the word from God that she would give birth to Isaac (Genesis 18:12) and the only reason Abraham’s faith could prevail despite the disbelief of Sarah was because she was submissive to her husband.
4. Solidified Authority/Audacity
It takes a person under authority to command authority. It is the principle of sowing and reaping. A person who isn’t submissive to authority cannot command authority from others or things or situations because it hasn’t been sown. The bible reminds us in 2 Corinthians 10:6 that we are able to punish or condemn any form of disobedience when our obedience is complete. The staff was not able to work for Gehazi when commanded by Elisha to lay it on the dead son of the Shunamite woman because his obedience was not complete (2 Kings 4:31). Challenges are able to hearken to our voice as we pray when our obedience is complete, including submitting to our husbands.
5. Divine Favor
Esther was a woman that displayed a submissive lifestyle. When she was selected along with other women as a potential wife for King Xerxes, she only followed the advice of the eunuch that was in charge of the women and as such she found favor in the sight of that eunuch (Esther 2).
Fast forward, when she was made queen, she still obeyed the instruction not to reveal her identity as instructed by her uncle, Mordecai. Despite rising to such a high position, she was still under authority. From this, we can depict that she lived a life of submission and it is no wonder that she obtained favor before her husband, King Xerxes, when she approached him without him summoning her and through that, she was able to redeem the lives of the Jews. Divine favor is one of the blessings a woman enjoys as she decides to submit because God Himself will ensure such a woman is exalted and lifted high because submission is a display of humility and He lifts up the humble.
“Whoever exalts himself shall be humbled; and whoever humbles himself shall be raised to honor” (Matthew 23:12 Amplified)
In order to enjoy all these perks and benefits of submission, it takes the help of the Holy Spirit for one to subdue our flesh and live a life of submission in marriage. You can access this free gift of the Holy Spirit by giving your heart to Jesus Christ as your Lord and personal Savior. If you will like to make that decision today, please say this prayer with me:
“Lord Jesus Christ, I believe you are the Son of God and I believe You died for me on the cross of Calvary. I know I am a sinner and today, I come to You to forgive me for all my sins and to make me a brand-new creation. I accept You as my personal Lord and Saviour. Thank you, Lord, for forgiving me and making me born again, in Jesus’ name, Amen.”
Congratulations!!!! You are now born-again! This means you are part of the family of Jesus Christ. If you made this decision, I would love to hear from you today and provide resources for your new journey! Please leave a comment on this post or reach out to me at https://www.cccghq.org/contact-us
May the Lord grant us the grace to live a life of submission and enjoy the perks/ benefits of submission in Jesus name amen.
Have a blessed marriage!
By: Pastor Ibukun Adewusi