Here is a powerful biblical principle that demands our attention and application. Until we fully "submit to God" (NIV) in every area of our lives, we will not experience the divine rewards, blessings, and opportunities that are reserved only for His obedient children. One of the areas that calls for submission is the area of finances. When we view our material possessions as gifts from God, we will be able to share them with others with the right attitude. David said: "Everything comes from You, and we have given You only what comes from Your hand." (1 Chronicles 29:14 NIV) Paul says it this way: "What do you have that God hasn't given you?" (1 Corinthians 4:7 NLT) Someone who has a hard time surrendering his finances to God hasn't gotten a revelation of these truths. "Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver." (2 Corinthians 9:6-7 NIV) When we refuse to live by these biblical principles, we rob ourselves of financial security and increase.

God requires us to submit in the area of our family, too. "Children, obey your parents in the Lord [as His representatives], for this is just and right." (Ephesians 6:1 AMP) If you are a child living under the authority of your parents, God expects you to love and obey them as His ordained representatives. How you treat your parents can have a considerable impact on your life and your relationship with God. "Honor (esteem and value as precious) your father and your mother--this is the first commandment with a promise--'That all may be well with you and that you may live long on the earth.'" (Ephesians 6:2-3 AMP) These principles apply even to grown children, as Jesus Himself pointed out. (Mark 7:10-12) The Bible says: "Wives, be subject (be submissive and adapt yourselves) to your own husbands as [a service] to the Lord." (Eph 5:22 AMP) If you are a wife and you find it difficult to be submissive, ask the Holy Spirit to remind you that you are doing it for the Lord. If your husband tends to be unreasonable at times, pray for God to change his heart. Rest assured that if you are making an effort to obey God in this area, He will deal with your husband when it's necessary. Husbands, you have the greatest responsibility of all. "Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself up for her." (Ephesians 5:25 AMP) You are commanded by God to love your wife sacrificially, and in a Christlike manner. If you don't, your prayers will be greatly hindered. (1 Peter 3:7)

The Lord also expects us to submit to His will in the area of friends. "Come out from among [unbelievers], and separate (sever) yourselves from them, says the Lord, and touch not [any] unclean thing; then I will receive you kindly and treat you with favor." (2 Corinthians 6:17 AMP) The word "separate" is a strong word. It means: "To set apart; disconnect; to keep apart or divide." Some believers are not experiencing the favor of God on their lives because they are in close relationship with people who are not Christ-followers. Are we to avoid all unbelievers? No. But our "inner circle" must consist of Christlike believers, or we will suffer the penalty of disobedience. (Proverbs 13:20) We are to, "Enjoy the companionship of those who call on the Lord with pure hearts." (2 Timothy 2:22 NLT) God will provide us with the right kind of companions if we will pray for them, and endure seasons of loneliness while we're waiting, if necessary.

The Lord also requires us to submit to Him where our fun is concerned. Too many Christians are compromising their walk with God in the name of entertainment. Personally, I don't want to watch or listen to anything that creates the wrong kind of images in my mind. Those ungodly images can last a long time, and can be permanently ingrained in our hearts and minds in some cases. God's Word says: "Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise." (Philippians 4:8 NLT) How can we possibly keep these commands if we are filling our senses with the wrong things? This entire passage of Scripture teaches us how we can experience the peace that belongs to us in Christ. When we begin to lose our peace, we need to think about what we're thinking about--and we need to make the necessary adjustments, with God's help. Are you doing all you can to live a life of submission today?

Prayer: Lord, today I choose to submit every aspect of my life to You. Thank You for the untold blessings and rewards that You will release into my life as a result!