SUBMISSION TO THE FATHER

Like all of the qualities of the fruit of the Spirit, self-control is one of Christ’s character traits.

Jesus often made clear that he had submitted his will and life to God. “I have come down from heaven not to do my will,” he explained, “but to do the will of him who sent me” (John 6:38).

That’s why, at the most crucial point in his life, Jesus could pray, “Father … not my will, but yours be done” (Luke 22:42). In the Garden of Gethsemane, as Jesus wrestled with the horrifying thought of bearing the weight of the world’s sin, he submitted himself to his Father’s will, knowing that it was “good, pleasing and perfect” (Romans 12:2).

Similarly, neither the words nor works that Jesus spoke and performed were by his own authority but by his Father’s. “The words I say to you I do not speak on my own authority. Rather, it is the Father, living in me, who is doing his work.”

In everything he thought, said, and did, Jesus submitted himself to the Father. Jesus turned over his will and life completely to God. He was God-controlled, and that’s why he knew self-control.

We too, need to allow the Holy Spirit to work in us so that increasingly we become mastered by none other than the Master himself.

Prayer

Father, by your Spirit, work in us so that we, like Jesus, submit ourselves completely to you. Accomplish your will and purposes in and through us. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Shawn Brix