Submit to the Church

It may sound strange, but the Church teaches us to ‘submit’ ourselves to the teachings of the Church. As Orthodox Christians we are not ‘free’ to choose what is true and not true about God. God gave us the Church not only as a gathering place, but to protect His truth.

Paul, an apostle – not from men nor through men, but through Jesus Christ and God the Father, who raised him from the dead – and all the brethren who are with me, To the churches of Galatia: Grace to you and peace from God the Father and our Lord Jesus Christ. In what I am writing to you, before God, I do not lie! Then I went into the regions of Syria and Cilicia. And I was still not known by sight to the churches of Christ in Judea; they only heard it said, “He who once persecuted us is now preaching the faith he once tried to destroy.” And they glorified God because of me. Then after fourteen years I went up again to Jerusalem with Barnabas, taking Titus along with me. I went up by revelation; and I laid before them (but privately before those who were of repute) the gospel which I preach among the Gentiles, lest somehow I should be running or had run in vain. But even Titus, who was with me, was not compelled to be circumcised, though he was a Greek. But because of false brethren secretly brought in, who slipped in to spy out our freedom which we have in Christ Jesus, that they might bring us into bondage – to them we did not yield submission even for a moment, that the truth of the gospel might be preserved for you.

Galatians 1:1-3, 20-24; 2:1-5

In the opening verses of Saint Paul’s Letter to the Galatians we witness the ancient practice of submitting our teaching to the Church. Saint Paul always taught be example. He went up to Jerusalem and explained what he had been teaching about Christ, submitting to the Apostles.

There isn’t a Christian alive who would question the great faith and teaching of Saint Paul. He was arguably the greatest evangelist in history. The majority of the New Testament are his words and guidance. Yes, even Saint Paul submitted his teachings for review by the Church.

What makes us think we are superior to Saint Paul? This is a problem even in the Orthodox Church’s practice of accepting converts. We expect new members of the Church to learn about the Church and join ‘if’ they agree with our teachings.

Sure, someone must agree to submit, but I’m coming from a deeper level. With more than 45,000 denominations of Christianity in the world, in practical application, it appears to me that nobody is submitting to anyone. We CHOOSE to join or remain where we already agree.

The truth of Christ is not up for debate. It does not change. It cannot change. Truth is constant. What can and must change is OUR opinions, OUR beliefs, OUR teachings. There is not such thing as ‘your’ truth or ‘my’ truth. The only protection the Church has is for us to submit

If it was good enough for Saint Paul, it is good enough for us. Consider what beliefs or teachings you may hold that conflict with the Church. Then sit with your spiritual father and submit your teachings to him. Rather than debate him, CHANGE. Saint Paul did.