Submission: The Bible Way [Part 2]
Dear Reader,
You are welcome to another interesting edition of this teaching. In the last edition, you must have understood that submission was commanded by God, the fact that it must be total, and keys to attaining total submission.
This second part focuses on some of the enemies of submission.We must understand that everything God created or commanded, He classified as been good (Genesis 1:31). But the devil always bring up a negative angle to oppose the good works of God. That is why it is important to identify these enemies that limit your benefiting from the rewards of submission. They are:
Stubbornness:
A woman that is stubborn will never submit to her husband. The Bible says, Stubbornness is as iniquity and Idolatry (I Samuel 15:23). In this scripture, stubbornness is equated with idolatry, and that is a serious sin before God because it is as grievous as the adoration of graven images.
What does it mean to be stubborn?
The American Heritage Dictionary defines stubbornness as: Unreasonably, often perversely unyielding; bullheaded, firmly resolved or determined; resolute, difficult to treat or deal with; resistant to treatment or effort. It also means to be unwilling to change. In a nutshell, stubbornness means to be adamant, to be fixed in purpose and opinion; to refuse positive development.
God hates a stubborn person. Therefore, you must prune it away from your family before it prunes you.
Also, Stubbornness kills dreams. For instance, Saul’s kingdom was cut off from him because he refused correction. If it can destroy a whole kingdom, it can rob you of a successful home. Imagine a man who makes up his mind to do something but refuses to be swayed by the pleading of his wife, even when her reasons are obviously in accordance with the Word of God. Such a man will end up in big trouble someday.
It is written: He, that being often reproved hardeneth his neck, shall suddenly be destroyed, and that without remedy (Proverbs 29:1).
Stubbornness is an enemy of honour and dignity; it is like breaking the hedge, and when you do that, the Bible says the serpent (devil) will bite. Wives, remember your husband is the head of the family, therefore, avoid obstinacy at decisions made by him. Allow him to take the final decision as regards the success and progress of the family. Any woman who is strong-willed and unyielding is heading for disgrace and destruction. Be calm and articulate; calmness is not stupidity, but the cure of stubbornness.
Anger:
Anger is like a kettle of boiling water. As long as the fire is on, the water boils hotter. To cool the water, you would need to turn off the source of heat, place the kettle on a cool surface and give it time to cool off. The Bible says, For the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God (James 1:20).
By holding on to anger, you open the door to sin. If you get upset with your spouse’s behaviour, rather than exploding and speaking cruel words which can cause irreparable damage, control your emotions and take a walk or go to your prayer closet until your anger simmers down.
Anger is a killer; therefore, it must be dwelt with (Genesis 49:5, 7). If you want to avoid the shame that division and scattering bring to marriages and families; you must not let anger find its way to your family. Anger puts asunder faster than fornication. One may not kill physically, yet by angry words or even silence, you can kill a person’s spirit! (Matthew 5:22)
However, we all get angry at one time or the other, but the difference between that and the work of the flesh is, sin. It is written: Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath (Ephesians 4:26). But I like the way The Living Bible puts it: If you are angry, don’t sin by nursing your grudge. Don’t let the sun go down with you still angry get over it quickly; For when you are angry you give a mighty foothold to the devil (Ephesians 4:26-27).
Some people try to suppress anger. When they are angry, they swallow it and pretend that everything is all right by plastering a smile on their faces. They are like hot bottles of Coca-Cola, shaken. Once the lid is opened the hot liquid rushes out in torrents. Bottling up anger is risky, and an explosion is only a matter of time. You can let off steam by discussing the issue at an appropriate time. In a situation where you cannot speak out immediately, you can pray about it and God will grant you peace.
Friend, you require grace that only God can give in other to be able to control these evil. This grace is made available to you as you accept Jesus as your Lord and personal Saviour by saying this prayer: Lord Jesus Christ, I come to You today, I am a sinner. I cannot help myself. Forgive me of my sins, cleanse me with Your blood. Deliver me from sin and Satan to serve the living God. I believe You died for me and on the third day, You rose that I might be justified. I accept You as my Lord and Saviour. Make me a child of God today. Thank You for accepting me into Your Kingdom.
Congratulations! You are now born again! All round rest and peace are guaranteed you, in Jesus’ Name. Call or write, and share your testimonies with me through contact@faithoyedepo.org, and conselling@faithoyedepo.org; OR 07026385437 and 08141320204.
For more insight, these books authored by me are available at the Dominion Bookstores in all the Living Faith Churches and other leading Christian bookstores: Marriage Covenant, Making Marriage Work and Building a Successful Family.
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