Stay in Position

Last night my son played in his final JV football game for this year and God brought a truth to life for me. You see, three times over the past two weeks I've heard a teaching on submission. Clearly it's a topic God's again brought to my attention and reading friend, since He brought you here, I trust it's one He wants to speak to you about as well.

Now, before you close this window, I encourage you to read to the end. If you're a wife and Satan's tempting you to think, I've heard this before, read on. If you're single and think "this doesn't apply to me," read on - you have friends, sisters and co-workers who may turn to you for advice. Are you prepared to offer it?

I'm not going to spend a lot of time talking about what submission is...the placing of ourselves under authority or when it needs to take place. God does a good job of this in His Word -

"Submit yourselves therefore to God." James 4:7a

"Likewise, you who are younger, be subject to the elders." 1 Peter 5:5a

"Wives, submit to your own husbands, as to the Lord." Ephesians 5:22

"Now as the church submits to Christ, so also wives should submit in everything to their husbands." Ephesians 5:24

"But I want you to understand that the head of every man is Christ, the head of a wife is her husband, and the head of Christ is God." 1 Corinthians 11:3

Like I said, God clearly commands us to submit in Scripture, but via a football illustration I want to encourage you to obey.

So to begin, a basic reality when it comes to football is players must stay in position. Athletes are taught ways to hit, tackle, throw and catch. They each play different positions, but they must all stay in position. The same is true for us as disciples of Christ and as wives in a marriage relationship.

Friend, as wives it's important, even vital that you and I stay in position. "Why?" you ask, let me share the thoughts that came to mind as I watched a game.

Staying in position...

PREVENTS PAIN - Football players are taught the proper way to hit and tackle. One of the biggest reasons coaches do this is for safety. If a guy leads with his head, he's more likely to get hurt. When we don't submit and do as God commands, we will experience pain as well. It may not result in a concussion, but we will hurt. The pain may not happen immediately, but eventually our disobedience will bring a consequence.

PROVIDES PROTECTION - Have you ever watched a quarterback try to make a play when his offensive line doesn't do their job? It usually doesn't work very well. The O-Line's job is to protect their quarterback and friend, our husband is called to do the same. But sometimes we're like the anxious QB who's afraid to stay in the pocket and don't allow our husband an opportunity to do what God's called him to do. Submission may feel like you are giving up, but remember the QB depends on the O-Line and we too can not only trust the man God has given, we can trust the One who gave!

PROMOTES PROGRESS - Let's look at another key player on the field, the running back. He too must stay in position. His job isn't just to run the ball, he must follow his blockers. These guys are the ones who help him gain yards. Friend, when we submit and put ourselves in right position first behind God and then our husband, we too will move forward. This progression won't lead to touchdowns, but may bring personal success and growth in God's kingdom!

PRODUCES PEACE - When it comes to football or most any sport, staying in position and playing your part are vital. It's true some positions on the team get more glory, but they are all important. When every player, from the superstar to the last guy off the bench knows and carries out their role, a fun team, and often successful team is formed. Friend, when we stay in position as disciples of Christ and women in marriage peace is produced. God is a God of order and peace comes when we stay in order.

So that's my quick lesson from the football field! I pray you are encouraged to submit to those God has placed over you and have been reminded that though the job is not always easy, it has a purpose!

For my married friends, I hope you can make this your team motto -

Glorify the LORD with me; let us exalt his name together.

Psalm 34:3

Together may you and your husband live out your roles, stay in position and find success with God and for Him!