“Jesus said to the people who believed in Him, “You are truly My disciples if you remain faithful to My teachings. And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” – John 8:31-32 (NLT)
Do you think that God wants unthoughtful obedience from us just because we’re complying or conforming to something? Or do you think He’d rather us think things through, and then comply or conform based on us realizing it’s the right thing to do? Of course, you’re gonna say that God would rather have us think things through so we’re understanding the reason why we comply. But what if you were asked to obey something while disobeying the other, and yet still be submitted and obedient to God’s statues? Hmmm…. so how does that fit within a Romans 13 mentality?
My short answer to that question goes like this, the conflict that multiculturism can bring will never end unless every thought that allows it to flourish in the first place is brought under the captivity of Christ. Now this is gonna require an action that is almost a vulgarity in certain circles and that action is SUBMISSION! Now if you read the mini-series I wrote about meekness the last time I was with you, you should get the sense that it’s gonna take being meek to be able to submit. Now one would think that one should be submissive first, then meekness will follow, but let me ask you this, do meek people have to submit or is it already in their spiritual DNA? Hmm…
So, since no one is really completely free to do whatever they choose to do, ultimately, they have to submit to something. Even if that means they’re content to sit around all day and do nothing, they have submitted to laziness and, trust me on this, that doesn’t take any amount of meekness to do. Now there’s a popular viewpoint that also says, being submissive is like being surrendered but from the way I see this to surrender means you give up, to submit means you give in. Yes, this sure sounds like we should use the word quit and it isn’t as bad as you think IF you know who you gave up and gave in to. This is a good place to say Jesus Christ!!
“Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.” – Romans 12:2
Submission is one of those words that, if you received your education through “Secularland”, has been taught for people to disrespect. This is because people have a fear of being enslaved and appearing like a “WELCOME” doormat in front of others. In these days, buzz words like “equality” and “equity” are portrayed as things that make a population strong. To be submissive, as Christ was to The Father, has been cast off as if it was canceled. But didn’t Jesus have every right (like every person desires) to exert His rights and authority upon a people that nail Him to a cross? Yes, He did. BUT instead, He chose, “Forgive them Father, for they know not what they do” as His position. That vexes everything that is outta God’s will.
If biblical submission is respecting divinely appointed authority outta respect for Christ, then this means that submission is an act of faith. So, if you’re a Child of His, and He chose to suffer the evil that men do, then you should do likewise. This is where that fear of being enslaved comes in, because we have those in authority who would choose to abuse it, and no one wants to be a slave to such a person. But no one in Christianity says that you have to be a masochist, therefore, if you’re in Christ, being submissive to Him is actually taking the steps to prevent an uglier evil from rising up. Two wrongs never made a right, and trying to even a score only continues the cycle of evil.
I think the best way for me to end this today is share this passage from Colossians…
“Bondservants, obey in all things your masters according to the flesh, not with eyeservice, as men-pleasers, but in sincerity of heart, fearing God. And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the Lord Christ. But he who does wrong will be repaid for what he has done, and there is no partiality.” (Colossians 3:22-25)
Amen?
Written by Chris Hughes: Chris is a child of El Elyon, a son, a husband, and a father. He has an education in Biblical doctrine and is a graduate of The Colony of Mercy, 11/2003. He has been a Freedom Fighter contributor since 2008. You can email him at cphughes515@verizon.net.
Think About This:“Our desire for moral self-preservation should dictate that we come over immediately onto God’s side and stay there even if (as is likely) it may result in our being out of accord with man’s philosophies and man’s moral codes. We cannot win when we work against God, and we cannot lose when we work with Him.” — A.W. Tozer
The Daily Bible Reading: 2 Kings 4-5. You can download our 2023 Daily Bible Reading Plan by clicking here.
This Week’s Verse to Memorize: “but Christ as a Son over His own house, whose house we are if we hold fast the confidence and the rejoicing of the hope firm to the end.” – Hebrews 3:6
America's Keswick Christian Retreat and Conference Center
4.8
Based on 383 reviews
America's Keswick Christian Retreat and Conference Center
4.8
Wanda Read
17:45 26 Sep 23
praise God for this place and all staff
Dinah Lopez
17:06 19 Sep 23
Beautiful property. Woodsy, nice lakes and a lot of land to explore. A great place for Christians to gather. They also have indoor auditoriums.
Andrea Rowe
01:30 18 Sep 23
Great banquet food.Great piano performance.
Melissa Williams
10:55 15 Sep 23
The warmest, most loving people working together on a mission of love for the Lord. This place is a treasure and I look forward to going every chance I get.
marilyn clinton
09:26 10 Sep 23
Food is not great.
Linda Hamadyk
04:54 10 Sep 23
The entertainment was excellent. The servers were great enjoyed my evening.
Raquel Perez
13:04 03 Sep 23
Amazing, relaxing, friendly and the most important part, the presence of God!!!
Doug Anderson
11:39 29 Aug 23
Had an amazing experience here for two nights!Stayed in the newly renovated rooms - very nice and clean.Amazing and helpful staff, maintenance, chaplains, etc.Everyone is very warm and friendly.Student summer staff were joyful and... respectful.They really take care of pastors and all of their guests.Such an atmosphere of hope, healing and restoration! Highly recommend for personal and group retreats.read more
Albert Spangler
14:15 25 Aug 23
This is an amazing place where you can feel God's presence and find peace.
Carol Swill
05:06 24 Aug 23
America's keseick is a wonderful place of peace and restoration. The combination of the physical and emotional feeding, together with the bible conference really works.I loved the Bible studies, and i loved the 'vacation stuff'- the pool, the... beach, the games,the music, walking around the lake- it all worked togetherread more
Karen Downs
18:43 31 Jul 23
Awesome place. Great place for children and awesome place to relax and enjoy
Richard Donato
18:14 14 Jul 23
Great place
Rubbins St Louis
18:57 12 Jul 23
Great place to visit and have fellowship with other believers. I love taking in God's word.
Loida Rojas LLM
06:03 04 Jul 23
They need to remodel all the dorms
Vince Dizol
04:56 26 Jun 23
Beautiful retreat center. You can feel the presence of God in the beauty of His natural creation in this place! Great pool and jacuzzi area as well as basketball / volleyball court!
Google Rating
4.8
Based on 383 reviews
America's Keswick Christian Retreat and Conference Center
4.8
Wanda Read
17:45 26 Sep 23
praise God for this place and all staff
Dinah Lopez
17:06 19 Sep 23
Beautiful property. Woodsy, nice lakes and a lot of land to explore. A great place for Christians to gather. They also have indoor auditoriums.
Andrea Rowe
01:30 18 Sep 23
Great banquet food.Great piano performance.
Melissa Williams
10:55 15 Sep 23
The warmest, most loving people working together on a mission of love for the Lord. This place is a treasure and I look forward to going every chance I get.
marilyn clinton
09:26 10 Sep 23
Food is not great.
Linda Hamadyk
04:54 10 Sep 23
The entertainment was excellent. The servers were great enjoyed my evening.
Raquel Perez
13:04 03 Sep 23
Amazing, relaxing, friendly and the most important part, the presence of God!!!
Doug Anderson
11:39 29 Aug 23
Had an amazing experience here for two nights!Stayed in the newly renovated rooms - very nice and clean.Amazing and helpful staff, maintenance, chaplains, etc.Everyone is very warm and friendly.Student summer staff were joyful and... respectful.They really take care of pastors and all of their guests.Such an atmosphere of hope, healing and restoration! Highly recommend for personal and group retreats.read more
Albert Spangler
14:15 25 Aug 23
This is an amazing place where you can feel God's presence and find peace.
Carol Swill
05:06 24 Aug 23
America's keseick is a wonderful place of peace and restoration. The combination of the physical and emotional feeding, together with the bible conference really works.I loved the Bible studies, and i loved the 'vacation stuff'- the pool, the... beach, the games,the music, walking around the lake- it all worked togetherread more
Karen Downs
18:43 31 Jul 23
Awesome place. Great place for children and awesome place to relax and enjoy
Richard Donato
18:14 14 Jul 23
Great place
Rubbins St Louis
18:57 12 Jul 23
Great place to visit and have fellowship with other believers. I love taking in God's word.
Loida Rojas LLM
06:03 04 Jul 23
They need to remodel all the dorms
Vince Dizol
04:56 26 Jun 23
Beautiful retreat center. You can feel the presence of God in the beauty of His natural creation in this place! Great pool and jacuzzi area as well as basketball / volleyball court!