No, I Don't Think You Should

Yes, all of you be submissive to one another,
and be clothed with humility, for

​​​“God resists the proud,
​​But gives grace to the humble.” 1 Peter 5:5

Does submitting one to another mean that we all do whatever the other person says? Might we not end up going to and fro like a barnyard full of headless chickens? What happens if we go to one brother in Christ and he is all for our course of action, but the next brother says, "No, I don't think you should..." Which way do we go in submitting one to another? And do my thoughts prayerfully considered mean nought? Is submission a contest between who among the three I believe to the wisest in Christ? Job had three friends plus one (and a wife!) who considered each of themselves right and correct, and a whole lot wiser in their minds than poor Job.

Submission to one another may not mean taking whatever course our brothers agree upon among themselves; they may never manage to agree. However, humbly giving due consideration to the measure of faith, knowledge, and wisdom that God has given to each of us who believe in Him goes a long way to showing that brotherly love we strive to present to the world. What we must avoid by humble submission is that arrogant attitude of 'I'm smart and know better than all y'all!' that tempts us at every turn.

Of course the last part of that verse is the worst position of all. We don't want to be so overcome with pride that we think that in anything we are smarter, wiser, or more knowledgeable than God our Father.

Humble submission to the Lord is the way for me; please help me, Lord, to be that way.

Bucky