July 6: Insight Post by Kim Feld
Monday Insight Post
by Kim Feld
I have to be honest and say that I was hoping for an “easier” practice this month. Submission doesn’t fall into that category for me, yet I can’t overlook it if I want to be like Jesus.
I love the passage from Philippians that we are contemplating this week, so let’s take a look:
7Instead, he gave up his divine privileges;
he took the humble position of a slaveand was born as a human being.
When he appeared in human form,
and died a criminal’s death on a cross. Philippians 2:4-8 (NLT)
How often I fall short of having the same attitude that Christ Jesus had! I want to put my interests first and cling to whatever positional gains I may have. Yet this only deepens my awe that Jesus willingly gave up so much to be one of us.
Control seems to be a common denominator for me as I have worked through these practices this year. I like to be in control, but God seems to be intent on showing me how little control I actually have. Submission to God requires trust that He knows better than I do. Jesus modeled an amazing level of submission out of His obedience to God, and if I am to be like Him, I must do the same.
1 Samuel chapter 15 tells the story of God’s rejection of Israel’s first king, Saul. Saul did what he felt was right and insisted that he had obeyed God. Yet Samuel knew that was not the case. It’s a fascinating story that makes me more than a little uncomfortable. Samuel makes it clear how God feels about submission:
Listen! Obedience is better than sacrifice,
and submission is better than offering the fat of rams.
As we focus on submission this month, I pray that God would show us what full submission to Him looks like. Our obedience and submission to His will is what He desires.
Kim Feld
Executive Director of Education and Outreach
New Hope Church
Lorton, Virginia
newhope.org