Submit. Whew.

The most difficult command to the American soul...

"Submit yourselves therefore to God..." (James 4:7a)

If you see a "therefore," you'd better back up and see what it's there for. James 4:6 says, "God opposes the proud..." See that? God opposes the proud, therefore, submit yourselves to God.

This command is difficult for the American soul because we were born in rebellion, we prize it, and we applaud those who constantly exercise it in the name of freedom of expression, personal [so called] rights, and [so called] liberty. At the slightest offense, or perceived offense, we rebel. At the slightest restriction, we rebel. The American soul loves rebellion. It might be said the American Southerner has a double dose of this love of rebellion.

We Americans are proud and self reliant. We consider submission weakness. We often love humility in others, but do not bend quickly to it ourselves.

The command is no less of a command in spite of our rebellious hearts. No less is its power; no less is its force. No less serious is God about this command, though our flesh is weak and our hearts proud.

"Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you." (James 4:7 ESV)

Indeed, submit to God. Be humble before God. "Come close to God, and God will come close to you. Wash your hands, you sinners; purify your hearts, for your loyalty is divided between God and the world." (James 4:8 NLT)

May we all wrestle with this command. May we all drop our pride. May we repent of our rebel hearts, turn to God, whom we know gives grace on grace.