Hebrews 13:17 
New King James Version
17 Obey those who rule over you, and be submissive, for they watch out for your souls, as those who must give account. Let them do so with joy and not with grief, for that would be unprofitable for you.

Imagine walking outside on a rainy day without an umbrella. The clouds are dark, the wind is heavy, and the rain doesn’t show it will stop anytime soon. You see others walking under umbrellas, dry and shielded, while you are soaked and struggling to walk in the rain as it falls heavily on you. The umbrella doesn’t stop the rain from falling, but it protects the one who is under it. Submission to spiritual leadership works the same way. It is not about avoiding life’s challenges, but about walking through them with covering and protection.

Many believers treat submission to authority like it is a punishment. In today’s world where independence is celebrated, even within the church, the idea of being under authority is often seen as outdated or unnecessary. But submission to authority is scriptural. It is not a sign of weakness, it is alignment to God’s will for you and this alignment brings protection, direction, and even speed.

There is a difference between being connected to a spiritual leader and being submitted to them.
Connection is proximity, showing up for meetings, sending messages sometimes and maybe even following them on social media. Submission on the other hand is posture. It is humility, accountability, and the willingness to be led, corrected, and covered.
Let’s take a look at some examples in the Bible.

1 Corinthians 4:17
New King James Version
17 For this reason I have sent Timothy to you, who is my beloved and faithful son in the Lord, who will remind you of my ways in Christ, as I teach everywhere in every church.

Apostle Paul calls Timothy his “beloved and faithful son in the Lord”. This statement shows that their relationship was not just casual; it was one of mentorship, correction, and fatherhood.

2 Timothy 2:1-2
New King James Version
1 You therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.

2 And the things that you have heard from me among many witnesses, commit these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also.
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Apostle Paul did not just cheer Timothy on; he instructed him, taught him, corrected him, warned him, and even empowered him. Timothy, on the other hand, did not resist Apostle Paul’s input.

Philippians 2:19-22
New King James Version
19 But I trust in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you shortly, that I also may be encouraged when I know your state.

20 ⁠For I have no one like-minded, who will sincerely care for your state.

21 ⁠For all seek their own, not the things which are of Christ Jesus.

22 ⁠But you know his proven character, that as a son with his father he served with me in the gospel.

Timothy received instructions with humility and served under Apostle Paul faithfully. As a result, Timothy grew in grace, responsibility, and spiritual authority.
‭‭Submission to spiritual authority is Biblical, it is God’s plan for you.
When you resist spiritual authority, you are not just rejecting a person, you are resisting a system God has set in place for our protection and growth in God.

Ephesians 4:11-12
New King James Version
11 And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers,

12 ⁠for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ
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This verse does not mean that God gave the gift of apostleship or teaching or prophecy to some but the Greek translation for the word “some” is “indeed”. This means that God gave these people; the apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers for the equipping of the saints, for the work of ministry, and for the edifying of the body of Christ. God gave these men as gifts to the church (you). The people in spiritual leadership over you are God-sent for your growth!

Even with all these, many believers still struggle with submission to spiritual authority. This is because correction is uncomfortable. Being corrected is a reminder that you are not always right. And in a world that tells you to “do you” and “follow your heart”, submission sounds like suppression. But what does the Bible say?

Proverbs 3:11-12
New King James Version
11 My son, do not despise the chastening of the Lord, nor detest His correction;

12 ⁠for whom the Lord loves He corrects, just as a father the son in whom he delights.

Correction is proof of God’s love. When God places you under a spiritual authority who can look you in the eye and tell you when you are wrong, it is not rejection or suppression. It is redirection. God’s plan for your life often requires alignment, and alignment demands accountability.

Some people delay their destiny because they cannot receive correction. They move from church to church, leader to leader, mentor to mentor, always looking for affirmation, never staying long enough to be shaped. They are like spiritual orphans, always wandering, never rooted.
Even Jesus, in His earthly ministry, modeled submission.

John 5:19
New King James Version
19 The Son can do nothing of Himself, but what He sees the Father do.

If Jesus, who is fully God, modeled submission to the Father, then we as believers have no excuse.
In a generation full of spiritual “freelancers”, it is important to ask yourself: Who is my covering? Who do I submit to? Who can correct me without offense? It is not just about being in a church, it is about being accountable in that church. It is not only about listening to sermons online, it is about having someone who knows your name, prays for you, and can call you back when you start drifting.

If you don’t have someone like that in your life, ask the Lord to guide you to the right person or community. Don’t rush into covering just because of charisma or popularity. Seek Godly, fruit-bearing leadership that teaches truth and lives with integrity. Be teachable. Be accountable. Be open.

If God has placed someone over your life to lead you, correct you, and build you, don’t treat them like an option. Honor them. Receive from them. Submit in humility. Your spiritual growth, your assignment, and even your protection are often tied to the posture of your submission.

Prayer Point
Father, thank You for the gift of spiritual leadership. I repent for every time I’ve resisted correction or dishonored those You’ve placed over me. Help me to walk in true humility and alignment. Lead me to the right spiritual covering and help me to be accountable.