I’ve spent some time thinking about submission. Some of the posts from the past couple of weeks have been on that theme. Mostly I’m just curious and wonder where the thought process will take me. Some amateur psychologist would try to read between the lines–my problems submitting to authority (especially if I don’t respect its direction), relationship to my father (Freud would love that analysis thread), my quiet rebelliousness (OK, I did love Albert Camus’ book “The Rebel”), and so on.
Really, I think we all have problems with submission except maybe those who lack self respect and area too submissive. We must realize that we are always submitting to someone or something even when we think we are acting purely independently.
For Jesus, we live in one of two states. One state is that of doing his teachings (not just “believing in your heart” but actually practicing what he preached). The other state is one of sin–that is, doing the opposite. Psychologists say that you are really a slave to something, you just get to pick that something.
Jesus once said, “If you follow my teachings, you will know the truth and the truth will set you free.” (John 8)
The “Jews” with whom Jesus was debating answered him, “We are children of Abraham and have never been slaves.” OK, so their historical memory was a little faulty (Egypt, Babylon, Rome). Their attitude shown through. They thought highly of themselves and their freedom.
Jesus said, “Whoever sins is a slave to sin.”
It was a revelation to many when psychologists figured that out a hundred years ago. Shouldn’t have been.
You can follow that path of separation from God while living in sin. You can choose to follow the path of recognizing the authority of Jesus who came to lead us to God–and then doing as he taught. If you choose the latter, then you will realize what truth is and you will be free.
It’s just not theory. It’s life.
Faith Venture 
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