Scripture
“I make myself a slave to everyone, to win as many as possible.” 1 Cor 9:19

Observation
Who can tell me “no”? I won’t go far in life until I have the answer to that question. For that is the test of submission. If someone has the authority to stop me, then I am a man under submission to God.

Submission is where authority comes from. Hollywood presents independence and rebellion as the way to power. But it is the person who asks questions who has more power than he who gives answers. It is the person who serves leaders who has more authority than those who lead. It is the person who complies, follows and acquiesces who is just waiting for promotion from God.

Submission works fast and deep when it is voluntary. Everyone is made to submit at some time in life. Really great people choose to submit even when it is not required. For Paul, he knew that if he submitted to customs and culture that God would give him authority to win as many as possible. Such is the blessing of submission.

Application
My life will be graded, not by how I was forced to submit but when I chose to come under the leadership of others. If Paul was rewarded in his submission by winning as many as possible, there is no limit to what God will do in me.

Prayer
Father, show me where I need to submit today. Amen.