1 Corinthians 11: Sublime Submission

Sometimes we are called to play a solo in life, but more often than not life is played out in the context of an orchestra. I had the privilege of listening to a live performance of one of the world’s premier orchestra’s this past weekend. Each musician was exceptional in their own right, able to perform scales, melody lines, solos and have mastered their instrument. Bringing so many experts together to create an exceptional orchestra is incredibly difficult and requires mutual commitment and cooperation from the members. Indeed, it requires submission.

In urban Corinth, cultures were colliding. The complexity of bringing together distinct cultural backgrounds (e.g. head coverings), while daunting through human leadership, was a problem God had addressed through the person of Jesus Christ. Jesus Christ, although equal with God the Father, submitted to him in carrying out the plan of salvation (Philippians 2:5-11). Although both man and woman are equal (11:11,12) they are not equivalent (11:3). God calls for submission among equals remembering that lines of authority should never mean lines of superiority. One sex is not better than the other. We must not let the issue of authority and submission become a wedge to destroy oneness (e.g. marriage, church or government.) Instead, we should use our unique gifts to strengthen our relationships and to glorify God. This issue of submission is addressed as well in Paul’s instructions regarding the Lord’s Supper (11:18,21).

This lack of submission to one another and to the instructions of Jesus produced division, drunkenness, sickness and death among other things. We were created to make beautiful music and yet many of us have been eyewitnesses of the chaos and dissonance that comes with abuses of power and authority.

Through Jesus’ sublime submission to his heavenly father and to the mission of taking on our sin, we have gained access to the beautiful riches of God (Ephesians 3:16.) In the perfect relationship of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit, we have this incredible picture of mutual submission and joy (John 15:9-11). Has submission ever produced joy in your life? How does Christ’s picture of submission give you courage to do the same? How might you align yourself with God’s Spirit as he orchestrates beautiful complex music in the public arenas of your life?

Posted By Eric