The thing that guarantees promotion in life and career is the VERY thing that most of us struggle with.

“What’s that?” you ask in your most innocent voice.

Well, it is something that most of us do, or don’t do, everyday.

Submit.

Contrary to popular belief, it is not a curse word. I promise.

The truth of the matter is that we are required to submit to someone, everyday, for the rest of our life.

Whether we are at the top of the totem pole or the bottom.

If we are husband, wife, child, employer, employee, member of a community, church or life in the general population, we are still required to submit to laws, rules, regulations, orders, and requests.

Submission allows order and safety. It promotes accountability and structure. It kills chaos and makes the world go round.

So why is it so stinking hard?

Seriously, am I the only one who feels this way? Please tell me!!!

I don’t think that I am. I see people bucking their bosses and kids rocking their parents frequently. Standing in line at the store I overhear how one lady “told her boss how it was going to be.”

I thought, “hhhmmm… when Christmas bonuses are handed out, she probably won’t be at the top of the list.”

Somehow we all seem to think that in a bizarre twist of behavior (though we don’t want to submit to man or woman, depending on who is filling what role), we will just automatically and easily submit to God when He asks.

Have you submitted to God?

You know that part is really NOT optional. If we want to get ahead, to be blessed or prosperous, or to be in the will of God, we HAVE to listen and obey.

You must submit to and endure [correction] for discipline; God is dealing with you as with sons. For what son is there whom his father does not [thus] train and correct and discipline? — Heb. 12:7 AMP

And the same Big Guy that tells us to submit (listen and obey without backtalk, attitude or complaining) is the same guy that says that we have to do the same with those in authority over us.

Obey your spiritual leaders and submit to them [continually recognizing their authority over you], for they are constantly keeping watch over your souls and guarding your spiritual welfare, as men who will have to render an account [of their trust]. [Do your part to] let them do this with gladness and not with sighing and groaning, for that would not be profitable to you [either]. — Heb. 13:17 AMP

Not just our spiritual leaders, but our leaders in all areas. If we want to become a leader – we have to honor leadership.

How do we honor leadership?

We do what we are asked. If we disagree, we do it in the right time, place and tone.

If God says it is profitable to submit, who doesn’t like profit???

Next time you are faced with the opportunity to buck the system, smart off instead of being smart, or lollygag with the intent to show them – remember this… it is not profitable for us.

So maybe think of it this way…. it is profitable to submit. Does that make it easier?

Let’s all give it a try, we have to do it anyway! LOL!

What was the hardest thing you ever had to submit to and how did you get through it? Maybe we can learn from your experience and wisdom.