If you’ve been reading this article series on “Principles Worth Embracing,” this is the last article in this series yet in some ways this is the most foundational. So far, I’ve spoken about the gift of choice, the power of acceptance, the importance of focusing on changing oneself, and having God/self-validation.
I know “submission” and “surrender” are not words that our contemporary culture typically espouses, but what if I were to tell you we all submit and surrender to something or someone, whether we consciously realize it or not???
A young woman may submit to culture’s expectations about how she thinks, dresses, and conducts herself.
A young man may submit to his football team’s culture of hard work, resilience and having a “not giving up” attitude.
A resident in a neighborhood submits to local governing laws as it relates to conduct, driving, etc.
A scientist submits to his understanding of the scientific method in order to investigate and explore the natural world around us.
An ideologue may submit to stoic philosophy as a means of living life with more success.
A devout follower of a particular religion or deity submits to this deity or religion for how to live life.
Yet, when I glance at mainstream, popular ideas promoted in our culture and postmodern society, I see a different idea being put forth, one that is completely antithetical to the idea of submission and surrender.
This idea can be summarized in these phrases: “You can be your own authority and you’re the one in complete control of your own life.”
While these two ideas sound really appealing, attractive, and powerful, are they REALLY true? Does anyone actually practically live that way?
Think about the examples above or come up with your own. Do you really believe you don’t submit to authorities outside yourself? Take, for example, the local governmental and law enforcement agencies. Do you submit to them? And if you do, don’t you sacrifice an element of your freedom so that we can all maintain a sense of order in our world? And wouldn’t that sacrifice be akin to a surrender of sorts?
You might still be thinking, “But I like the idea of being my own authority or of being in control of my life!”
To clarify, it may be helpful to draw a distinction here between the idea of choice, self-empowerment, ownership, and self-responsibility (the focus of articles #1 & 3) vs. being the one in ultimate authority and control of your own life.
In other words, we should certainly take charge of what’s in our control and learn to be responsible while at the same time understanding that we are not the ultimate authority and ultimate controller over our own lives. We will also have to concede that there are things beyond our control which we cannot control and have to learn to accept (article #2).
So why did I decide to write this article?
I believe there is a sweeping (and I’d argue, dangerous though not new) philosophical/ideological movement rampant in our culture that promotes the belief that true freedom comes with claiming full and final authority and control over yourself.
Hmm…is this true?
While many embrace this movement/philosophy as a reaction to being abused, controlled, manipulated in different spheres of life (family, institutions, countries, etc.), I believe this kind of thinking swings the pendulum from one extreme to the other…from “I have no control and authority over my life” to “I have complete control and authority over my life.”
Both extremes, in my view, are problematic.
The other element of this discussion is the fact that submitting and surrendering to all possible authorities (spiritual or otherwise) or principles does not yield the same results. You can empirically validate this statement by submitting and surrendering to different authorities and beliefs/principles and seeing if you get the same consistent and healthy results every time.
By way of example, if I submit to a malicious, controlling authority figure, I will experience sadness, the feeling of being controlled, and potentially abuse..none of which line up with the life most of us want.
On the other hand, if I submit to a leader that I trust who has my best interest at heart, I will experience growth, encouragement, and fulfillment…all of which line up with the kind of life most of us want.
In summary, the key to unlocking this principle is not simply that one must submit and surrender but that the object of my submission and surrender is paramount to my success in living the thriving life I want.
Now, you may be thinking “Who are you to decide all this?”
Really good question!
Here’s the thing. I’m qualified to discuss this because none of the ideas I’ve put forth ultimately originates from me. While I enjoy the process of thinking, writing and creating content, I’m really just re-packaging wisdom that God has given to mankind from the beginning of time. I’ve simply been saving up these pearls like a man finding and keeping treasure he discovers along the way Except, this treasure is not unique to me.
The principles I have articulated in this series have been vetted and have withheld the test of time. In fact, they are discussed and applied in many different contexts, ranging from 12 step and AA meetings to business meetings to mentoring/coaching/therapy sessions to spiritual/religious institutions and plenty more.
Because of this, I posit that there is a truth inside each of them that can be applied to help someone move towards a thriving life. Another way to put this is that when someone applies these truths, they can subjectively experience the power of that truth applied. Interestingly, one could argue that this is just another name for a person moving in faith!
Don’t believe me? I’d urge you to try them on and try them out first, then draw your own conclusions.
A recent quote I love that I came across says “The wise try to adjust themselves to the truth, while fools try to adjust the truth to themselves” (Thibaut).
While we’re all probably guilty at some point in life of trying to do the latter, I believe wisdom calls us to consider the former.
So, circling back to the idea of freedom (something I believe most people in their heart of hearts want), what if true freedom actually came through submission and surrender to that which is true as it’s revealed to us?
Key Takeaway:
It’s important to become aware of what or who you are choosing to submit and surrender to because if the object of your submission/surrender is not aligned with what is true, then you will align with something else. You will invariably experience whatever fruit, or result, is the consequence of that choice.
Submission and surrender to that which is true will bring true freedom.
John 8:32 says “…you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”
Questions for consideration:
Have you ever thought about what or who you submit or surrender to and whether the object of your submission (whether a person, principle, institution and/or otherwise) is aligned to that which is true?
Do you need to submit to a different authority or truth in your life?
If these ideas seem challenging to implement in your life, consider setting up a complimentary discovery call with me, and let’s chat about what you need to move forward towards a thriving life!
