Submission can be a difficult virtue to understand in today’s world. We often associate strength with independence—doing things our own way and making our own decisions. Yet, the virtue of submission teaches us something different: that true strength can also be found in humility, trust, and the willingness to follow legitimate authority.
For our students, submission does not mean being weak or giving up their ability to think for themselves. Rather, it means learning to recognize rightful authority and responding with a willing and respectful heart. A student demonstrates submission when he follows classroom expectations, listens to a teacher’s direction, accepts correction, or puts the needs of the community before his own preferences.
At its heart, submission is about trust. We learn to trust that parents, teachers, and other legitimate authorities are guiding us toward what is good. Most importantly, we learn to submit ourselves to God’s will, knowing that He loves us and desires what is best for us.
Jesus gives us the perfect example. Throughout His earthly life, He willingly followed the Father’s plan, even when that path led to sacrifice. His obedience was not weakness—it was an expression of perfect love.
As parents and educators, we can help children develop this virtue by teaching them that obedience and humility are not obstacles to freedom. Instead, they help form the self-discipline necessary to use freedom well.
“Not my will, but yours be done.” — Luke 22:42
May our students grow in the virtue of submission, learning to listen with humility, obey with trust, and ultimately seek God’s will in all that they do.