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The necessity of obedient submission

Brian Anderson

I have often marvelled at the symbol that has become the centrepiece of Christianity. Most religious movements have one. Judaism has the Star of David. Islam has the Crescent Moon. But the symbol of Christianity is altogether different. Originally, the cross was an instrument of brutal torture and capital punishment. The Romans had perfected its use to exact the most excruciating pain and suffering possible, including the emotional torture of public humiliation as the victim hung naked. Yet, upon this cruel device, Jesus was murdered, so that we might be called children of God.

As my mind tries to wrap itself around this incredible truth, I also understand that if it were not for the obedient submission of Christ to the will of the Father, there would be no redemption story. There would be no life, no hope, no peace, no reconciliation. Philippians 2:8 tells us of Jesus that, “being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to death – even death on a cross!” Christ’s obedience to His Father was absolutely necessary to bring us redemption and new life, and our obedience to Christ is just as necessary for us to experience the victory of this new life.

One of the most troubling issues pastors and others in church ministry have to deal with is conflict. Conflict can occur in any relationship. Perhaps the most devastating personal conflict is between husband and wife; it draws into the battle not only their children, but also their entire extended families, often with terrible consequences. I have observed a common denominator in most, if not all, of these troubled relationships – disobedience. We show our love to our Lord by living a life of humble obedience to His commandments. When we fail, we find forgiveness in confession.

Jesus’ ministry on earth had two aspects – redemption and demonstration. The redemptive ministry of Christ is that through His sinless life, death, resurrection and ascension, He reconciled to Himself His church. The demonstrative ministry of Christ is the life of obedience to the Father that He lived for us all to see and imitate. When Satan tempted Him, Jesus responded, “You shall worship the Lord your God, and serve Him only” (Matthew 4:10). As the crucifixion drew near, Jesus prayed, “Not as I will, but as You will” (Matthew 26:39). Jesus’ entire life on earth was one of complete submission and obedience to His heavenly Father, no matter what the cost, and He commands us to follow His example (Matthew 16:24-25).

A wonderful side of living a life of obedience to the Lord is that it is not done in a vacuum. The Lord did not command us to obey and then not give us the tools or ability to fulfill this command. He has filled us with His Spirit, and He has placed us in His church, the body of Christ. In the church, we are to carry one another’s burdens. We are simply not designed to “handle it ourselves”.

The hardest thing for us to do is to admit that we are having problems and reach out for help – because of our pride. Crucifying our pride is where the rubber meets the road. Pride is a chameleon. It is subtle and manifests itself in endless ways, but a common manifestation is our unwillingness to submit ourselves to the Word of the Lord. An understanding of the necessity of obedience is disappearing from our lives, and it is having devastating consequences in our families and churches.

When we are struggling, it is imperative to find someone to confide in, someone we can trust. We need to reach out for help and allow the Holy Spirit to guide us to those whom He has gifted and anointed to help us. By doing this, we will enter the path to healing and restoration.

Isaiah 53:10-11 says, “It was the Lord’s will to crush Him. . . . My righteous Servant will justify many, and He will bear their iniquities.” It was the Father’s good pleasure to crush His Son so that we might be healed and have abundant life. When we bring our darkness and pain into God’s light and receive healing, then we can turn and bring others to the path of healing. The requirement is that we trust and obey.

Brian Anderson is a member of Northview Community Church in Abbotsford, B.C.

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Last modified August 22, 2001.

© 2001 Mennonite Brethren Herald.
Published by the Canadian Conference of MB Churches.
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