Lordship of Christ and the Kingdom: What Submission Looks Like
To bow to Christ as Lord is more than an assent of the mind; it is the posture of the heart that shapes how we live each day in the light of his kingdom. Drawing on Scripture and the themes explored in The Gospel of the Kingdom, this article gently explores what submission to Jesus looks like in ordinary life—rooted in grace, guided by truth, and lived in hope. For more about these themes you can visit www.robertjcottle.com or see The Gospel of the Kingdom on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Gospel-Kingdom-Not-Church/dp/1738615006.
Submission begins with the recognition of who Jesus is. The New Testament insists that all authority belongs to him: "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me" (Matthew 28:18). To call Jesus 'Lord' is to affirm his rule over every part of our lives—our decisions, relationships, work, fears and hopes. But true lordship is not a legalistic checklist; it is a converting work of grace that transforms affections and priorities. Romans 10:9 shows the inward reality of this confession: believing in the heart that God raised Jesus from the dead and confessing him as Lord flows into salvation. Therefore, submission is first of all a personal surrender, a daily turning to Christ and away from the idols that would claim our devotion.
Practically, submission to the King looks like a reordering of values toward the kingdom. Jesus taught us to seek first the kingdom and his righteousness (Matthew 6:33), which means asking not merely what comforts us now but what furthers God's rule of love, justice and mercy. This reordering is visible in small choices—how we speak about others, how we steward time and money, how we forgive—and in larger commitments, like sacrificial service and faithful witness. Philippians 2:5–11 models the humility of Christ who emptied himself; our submission imitates that humility, not out of duty alone but out of gratitude for the cross and resurrection that make us part of his kingdom.
Submission also shapes the way we carry sorrow and joy. The kingdom does not exempt us from suffering, yet it gives meaning to it. Jesus warned his followers that they would be his witnesses in a broken world (Luke 24:47), and that witness often comes through patient endurance, steadfast prayer and compassionate presence. Submission when sorrowful looks like trusting God's purposes even when we do not understand them, clinging to Scripture's promises, and allowing the Spirit to form Christlike character. Conversely, submission in seasons of joy looks like thanksgiving directed to the King who gives every good gift. Both sorrow and joy become opportunities to display the reign of Christ in us by reflecting his humility, love and hope.
Finally, submission to Christ’s lordship is communal as well as personal. The New Testament pictures the kingdom as a gathered people who pray, teach, break bread and bear one another's burdens (Acts 2:42–47). Our submission is expressed in mutual submission: bearing with one another in love, speaking truth in gentleness, and cultivating unity without sacrificing biblical conviction (Ephesians 4:1–3). This does not mean conformity to human traditions over Christ's commands; rather it means allowing the kingdom's values to shape our communities so they become safe places for repentance, growth and restoration. If you want to explore these themes further, The Gospel of the Kingdom unpacks what the Bible says about kingdom life and discipleship. For more resources and reflections, please visit www.robertjcottle.com.
In a world that tempts us to privatize faith or reduce Christ to a moral example, the lordship of Jesus calls us to wholehearted allegiance. Submission is not mere duty but the joyful yielding of a heart captivated by Christ. As Scripture reminds us, every knee will bow and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord (Philippians 2:10–11)—but we do not wait for that future action to live as those already reconciled to him. Let each day be an opportunity to practice submission: to hear God's Word, to pray, to love others with the patience and mercy of the King, and to point people gently to the good news of his reign. If these truths stir questions or longing in you, I welcome you to read more at www.robertjcottle.com or consider The Gospel of the Kingdom on Amazon to continue the journey of discipleship.