Submission might just be one of the most unpopular words in the Bible. We resist the idea of submitting our will or preferences to anyone. However, the Bible teaches that walking in submission is one of the many results of being filled with the Spirit. When we submit, we are showing reverence to Christ who did the same for us. “He made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death—even death on a cross” (Phil. 2:7–8).

The results of submission are mentioned in verses 19–21. When we are filled with the Spirit, we worship God and submit mutually to one another under the authority of Christ. Paul leaves no stone unturned in explaining how submission affects our actions toward each another. He addresses each of our various relationships: husbands and wives (vv. 22–33), children and fathers (6:1–4), even speaking about the relationships between slaves and masters.

Paul knew exactly what he was doing when he wrote about these various relationships because these are the areas where submission can be the most challenging. These are the areas where the battle of the wills, anger in conflict, power struggles, personality clashes, hurt, and other issues can occur.

I am sure we have all experienced, and unfortunately will continue to experience, conflict throughout our lives. When we do walk through conflict, we must submit to the will of the Holy Spirit on a continuous basis in order for Him to empower us to submit to one another. By doing this we will not allow the devil to have a foothold (or place) in our lives or our relationships (4:27).

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