In 2008, a rising-star runner from Jamaica set world records in each of his events at the Beijing Summer Olympics. Having already secured two gold medals, Usain Bolt knew what it would take to win his third and final event-the men’s 4 x 100 meters relay. Bolt wanted to run the first leg and “lay the hammer down from the start.” The coaches, however, saw it differently. Choosing to submit to their authority, Bolt ran the third leg. Doing so, he not only secured the gold for his team, but he added another world record to his impressive résumé.

Defined as the “surrender of the person and power to the control or government of another,” submission isn’t a natural inclination for most people. Believing they know best, they chafe against doing anything that doesn’t fit with their feelings (see Titus 3:3). The litmus test for submission as a believer in Jesus, however, is not whether we agree with what is being asked of us, but if it lines up with God’s Word.

Sadly, in the church today, we have sometimes spiritualized our disobedience to Scripture. Offended by leadership’s decisions, we move elsewhere and justify our decision by claiming obedience to the Lord’s leading. We may also gloss over our lack of respect for authority in the workplace (Ephesians 6:5-6), as if being “led by the Spirit” somehow excuses our disrespect. Titus 3:1 says, “Remind the believers to submit to the government and its officers. They should be obedient, always ready to do what is good.”

Scripture plainly speaks against trusting in the strength of human wisdom (Proverbs 21:30; 1 Corinthians 2:5). The nonnegotiable truth, however, is that God establishes order, and He works in ways we may not expect. Submission to authority begins with real trust in God and His Word (Psalm 56:10-11).