Freedom Through Submission

"You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness." – Ephesians 4:22–24

We live in a world that defines freedom as self-rule. “Follow your heart,” “Live your truth,” “Do what makes you happy”—the slogans sound empowering, but in reality, they enslave. What begins as liberation from authority becomes bondage to our own desires. The Bible flips that idea on its head: real freedom doesn’t come from doing whatever we want; it comes from submitting to the One who knows what’s best.

When Paul says to “put off the old self,” he’s describing more than moral improvement—it’s a complete reorientation of loyalty. The old self wants control, independence, and comfort. The new self delights in surrender, obedience, and transformation. This is the paradox of grace: the more we submit to Christ, the more free we become.

Submission doesn’t suffocate joy; it protects it. Think of a train: it’s only free when it stays on the tracks. If it jumps off in pursuit of independence, it loses both its direction and purpose. God’s boundaries aren’t prisons; they’re pathways to peace.

True submission isn’t passive—it’s powerful. Every time we say, “Not my will, but Yours,” we declare war against the tyranny of self. We step into a freedom that fear, sin, and shame can’t control. And the Spirit meets us there—not with chains, but with joy.

Today, ask yourself: What have I been calling freedom that’s really just rebellion? Then bring that area to the cross. Freedom begins where self ends.

Reflection Question
Where in your life are you mistaking self-rule for freedom? How might surrendering that area to God’s authority actually lead you to peace and joy?

Our freedom exists in submission. Running from the law does not escape it; it only exposes it. But when you submit to the cross and the work done on it by Jesus, grace breaks the chains of bondage that once held you.

Prayer
Lord Jesus, thank You that freedom isn’t found in self-rule but in surrender. I confess the areas where I’ve chased control, believing it would make me free. Teach me to submit joyfully to Your authority, trusting that Your will is better than my own. Let Your Spirit shape me into the new self You created me to be. Amen.

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