SALT 2017 was a busy conference for me more than usual because of the responsibilities I was in charge of. I didn’t go to a lot of workshops, but the one I went to spoke deeply to my heart. I wasn’t planning on going to this particular workshop, but the one I originally wanted to attend was full. When I first looked at the workshop list I saw Biblical Womanhood (On Submission) and because of the word “submission” I quickly scrolled my eyes to the next workshop. I’m pretty sure I was thinking “Submit to your husbands… blah, blah ,blah.” I tried to avoid it, but I’m so grateful that I ended up there.
The word “submission” can have a negative connotation with many women, but I thought the speaker (Amy Thao) did a great job at re-defining the word and our perspective of its biblical meaning. She defined submission as a willing heart for obedience to God-ordained authority. I saw submission in a negative light, but the speaker brought up a good point that our thoughts on submission have to align with who God is and He is a good God. Since God is a good, He would not die on the cross just to make us slaves under men. I was starting to think that there may be a greater meaning and calling to being submissive. Multiple verses in the bible tell wives to submit to their husbands, but not as servants (Ephesians 5:22-24, Colossians 3:18, Titus 2:4-5, 1 Peter 3:1, etc). The whole point is we’re not just submitting to our husbands, but ultimately to God. We submit with humble hearts to the Lord because we cannot save ourselves. Our husbands will also never fulfill us and we cannot put our hopes in our husbands, but because we trust in the Lord we allow our husbands to lead us. Sometimes we think a woman who always submits is weak, but in actuality it takes a strong woman to allow her husband to lead her.
Submission is transforming as it says in 1 Peter 3:1-2, “In the same way, you wives, be submissive to your own husbands so that even if any of them are disobedient to the word, they may be won without a word by the behavior of their wives, as they observe your chaste and respectful behavior.” Being submissive does not mean that we’re weak and powerless because through our submissive behavior to God our husbands and others can be transformed and won over. Submission is a witness of Jesus Christ and the power of His Gospel. Wow! That was eye opening to me about how powerful the act of submission can be when done in a humble, willing, and loving way. It also seems like we’re not suppose to speak over our husbands, but it is okay to voice our opinions and speak our minds. Once we voice our opinions we need to pray because God is truly the one in control.
Even though I didn’t think of submission in the most positive light, I knew submitting to my future husband was something I should do. After this workshop, I have a much more beautiful view and understanding of what it means to be submissive to God and my future husband. I truly feel that being called to humble submissiveness is a beautiful way to honor and glorify God. Just wanting to share something beautiful from SALT 2017
