Becoming More Like Christ Through Submission

Becoming More Like Christ Through Submission is not a popular idea in today’s culture. We are taught to push forward, speak up, and take control. Yet Scripture shows a different path to true strength. The way of Jesus is the way of surrender to the Father. When we learn submission, we begin to reflect His heart.

Submission does not mean weakness. It does not mean silence in the face of evil. Instead, it means trusting God’s authority, obeying His Word, and yielding our will to His purposes. Through this process, God shapes us into the image of His Son.

Christ: The Perfect Example of Submission

If we want to understand Becoming More Like Christ Through Submission, we must look at Jesus Himself. He lived in perfect obedience to the Father.

Philippians 2:5–8
Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.

These verses show that Jesus humbled Himself. He took on human form. He obeyed to the point of death on a cross. His submission was not forced. It was willing. He trusted the Father’s plan, even when it led to suffering.

In the Garden of Gethsemane, we see this clearly.

Luke 22:42
saying, “Father, if you are willing, remove this cup from me. Nevertheless, not my will, but yours, be done.”

Jesus did not deny His anguish. He was honest about the cost. Yet He surrendered His will. This is the heart of submission: “Not my will, but Yours be done.”

What Christ’s Submission Teaches Us

• Submission flows from trust.
• Submission may involve suffering.
• Submission brings glory to God.
• Submission leads to exaltation in God’s timing.

Jesus was later exalted above every name. His path of humility led to eternal glory.

What Submission Really Means

Submission is often misunderstood. It is not blind obedience to human control. Biblical submission begins with God.

James 4:7
Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.

Notice the order: submit to God first. When we place ourselves under His authority, we gain strength to resist the enemy. Submission and spiritual power go together.

To help clarify, here is a simple breakdown:

When we talk about Becoming More Like Christ Through Submission, we are talking about choosing God’s way over our own.

Submission in Everyday Life

Submission is not only about major life events. It shows up in daily choices.

1. Submission in Our Thoughts

Paul writes:

2 Corinthians 10:5
We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ,

We are called to take every thought captive. This is an act of submission. Instead of letting pride, anger, or fear rule us, we bring our thoughts under Christ’s authority.

2. Submission in Relationships

Scripture calls believers to mutual submission.

Ephesians 5:21
submitting to one another out of reverence for Christ.

This means we serve one another. We consider others above ourselves. In marriage, church, and friendships, submission protects unity and reflects Christ’s love.

3. Submission to God’s Discipline

Sometimes God corrects us.

Hebrews 12:9–11
Besides this, we have had earthly fathers who disciplined us and we respected them. Shall we not much more be subject to the Father of spirits and live? For they disciplined us for a short time as it seemed best to them, but he disciplines us for our good, that we may share his holiness. For the moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant, but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it.

Discipline is not punishment for believers; it is training. When we accept it with humility, we grow in righteousness. This is part of Becoming More Like Christ Through Submission because Jesus Himself “learned obedience” through what He suffered.

Why Submission Is So Hard

Submission confronts our pride. Since the fall in Genesis 3, humanity has resisted God’s authority. We want control. We want independence.

Here are common struggles:

• Fear of losing control
• Fear of being overlooked
• Desire for recognition
• Distrust of authority

Yet Jesus shows us another way. He trusted the Father fully. Even when misunderstood, rejected, and crucified, He did not fight for personal status.

The Blessings of Submission

Though submission feels costly, it carries deep reward.

1 Peter 5:6
Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you,

God promises exaltation in His time. When we humble ourselves, He lifts us up. This lifting may not be public fame. It may be deeper peace, stronger faith, or greater influence in quiet ways.

Benefits of Godly Submission

When we practice Becoming More Like Christ Through Submission, we begin to experience freedom from the pressure to control everything.

Submission and Leadership

Some believe submission cancels leadership. Scripture shows the opposite. Jesus was the greatest leader, yet also the most submitted.

John 6:38
For I have come down from heaven, not to do my own will but the will of him who sent me.

Christ came to do the Father’s will. Because He submitted, He led with authority and compassion.

Healthy leaders understand this balance:

• They submit to God’s Word.
• They lead by serving.
• They accept correction.
• They seek counsel.

Submission strengthens leadership because it keeps pride in check.

Submission During Suffering

One of the deepest tests of faith is suffering. It is here that Becoming More Like Christ Through Submission becomes real.

1 Peter 2:21–23
For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you might follow in his steps. He committed no sin, neither was deceit found in his mouth. When he was reviled, he did not revile in return; when he suffered, he did not threaten, but continued entrusting himself to him who judges justly.

Jesus entrusted Himself to Him who judges justly. That phrase is powerful. He placed His case in the Father’s hands. When wronged, He did not retaliate.

In real life, this may look like:

• Choosing forgiveness instead of revenge.
• Remaining faithful when misunderstood.
• Trusting God when prayers seem unanswered.

Submission does not mean we avoid justice. It means we trust God with ultimate judgment.

Growing in Submission Over Time

Submission is not mastered in one moment. It is a lifelong process.

Here are practical steps:

1. Daily prayer of surrender.
   Ask God to align your will with His.
2. Regular Scripture reading.
   Let God’s Word shape your thinking.
3. Accountability in church.
   Invite correction and counsel.
4. Confession of pride.
   Pride hides. Confession brings freedom.
5. Practice small acts of obedience.
   Growth begins in small steps.

The Holy Spirit works through these habits to form Christ’s character in us.

The Goal: Christlikeness

The ultimate purpose of submission is transformation.

Romans 8:29
For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers.

God’s goal is that we be conformed to the image of His Son. Every act of surrender shapes us. Every moment of obedience molds our hearts.

When we speak about Becoming More Like Christ Through Submission, we are speaking about spiritual maturity. We are speaking about reflecting Jesus in our homes, workplaces, and churches.

A Real-Life Picture

Imagine a believer facing a job loss. Fear rises. Anger tempts the heart. Yet instead of blaming God, the believer prays, seeks counsel, and continues to serve faithfully. That is submission.

Or think of someone hurt by a friend. The natural response is withdrawal or retaliation. Instead, the believer chooses forgiveness and humble conversation. That is submission.

In both cases, the person becomes more like Christ.

Submission Is Strength

The world says strength means dominance. Scripture says strength is surrender to God.

Jesus conquered sin and death not by force of arms but by obedience to the Father. His cross looked like defeat. It was victory.

When we follow His example, we find that submission is not loss. It is transformation. It is peace in chaos. It is trust in uncertainty. It is humility that leads to honor.

Becoming More Like Christ Through Submission calls us to lay down pride, release control, and trust the goodness of God. The path is narrow, but it leads to life.

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