At Hopewell Counseling, Dr. Irv and I use the Taylor-Johnson Temperament Analysis personality assessment to help clients gain personal insight. One of the nine common personality traits assessed is Dominant vs. Submissive. A healthy personality scores moderately high on dominance without being extreme. Submissive in the context of the TJTA means passive, compliant, and dependent. It does not refer to Biblical submission which is a proactive, intelligent choice to place oneself under the authority of a competent and benevolent leader. A dominant person takes appropriate responsibility for themselves and others who are under their legitimate authority without being bossy and abusive. The passive, doormat type of submission doesn’t take responsibility for themselves or others. They are typically at the mercy of other people’s choices.

People who make the best leaders are dominant and also know how to come under authority. People who are healthy submitters also know how to lead. Both are able to be team players. (See Matthew 8:9)

We are living in a very rebellious age and the idea of submission is not well received. Rebellious people don’t submit and are difficult to lead. Rebellion is often presented as an admirable quality and sometimes even heroic. But God says that “Rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft. . .” (I Samuel 15:23)

Interestingly there is a relationship between submission and rebellion. Often people who are rebellious were required at some point in their lives to submit to abusive authority. When authority is not competent, benevolent and reasonable, it will inspire rebellion. A rebellious nature is often learned in childhood and then carried into adult life. Without the abilities to both lead and also submit, adult relationships will be conflictual.

The bottom line is that we all need to have someone to whom we are accountable and will allow to lead us. If God is not the authority (boss) of our lives, we will put ourselves in that spot. We will choose to be our own god. We will do what we want and what we think is best for ourselves. Or we will be passively vulnerable to following someone who seems to have all the answers. Only God has all the answers. His authority is right (competent, responsible, and benevolent). He alone has the right to be the Boss of us. He created us in His image and His Son died on the cross and rose again for our salvation.

As we celebrate Christmas this year, let’s praise Jesus for coming to earth and making it possible for each of us to have direct access to our Heavenly Father. Let’s not forget that God has always been the King of the World, and Jesus made it possible for every man, woman, and child to be in His family. This Christmas may we intentionally invite Jesus into our hearts and be our Boss.

Merry Christmas!!

Elsie