Submission is not a bad word.

I must admit before getting married anytime I'd hear someone jokingly or seriously quote that Bible verse about wives submitting to your husbands there was just something about it that got under my skin in the wrong way, if you know what I mean? I believe that's because I viewed submission as a loss of strength or idenity. It is absolutely not the case at all, especially in the kingdom of God. I'm learning that when we submit ourselves to God, we are placing our lives under His mission. Submission is not about powerlessness; it is about meekness. To be meek is to have controlled strength. I was reading this morning in Matthew 8:5-13 about the Roman soldier who came to Jesus asking for his servant to be healed. Two things that jump out at me as I read this passage, number one is the faith this man pocessed; and second is the submission he exhibited. In verse 8 and 9 it says, "But the officer said, "Lord, I am not worthy to have you come into my home. Just say the word from where you are, and my servant will be healed. I know this because I am under the authority of my superiors officers, and I have authority over my soldiers. I only need to say "Go" and they go, or "Come" and they come. And if I say to my slave "Do this," they do it." It says Jesus was amazed when He heard these words. Personally, I'm amazed by this mans humility and submission. He recognized the authority Jesus had because of His father. Like this Roman solider we must strive to be people of authority and under authority. True submission yeilds beautiful fruits! Submission is not a bad word.