Rhythm: Submission with Ben Carruthers

Central Lutheran Church - Elk River

Ever noticed how certain words can immediately put us on edge? "Submission" is certainly one of them. What should be a pathway to freedom has become associated with control, oppression, and abuse. But what if we've been looking at it all wrong?
This exploration of submission as a spiritual rhythm takes us beyond negative connotations to discover its true essence: a freeing discipline that helps us recognize we can't do life alone, that we live for something greater than ourselves, and that we need not be molded by the broken patterns of this world.
The ancient story of the Israelites at Mount Sinai provides a powerful backdrop for understanding the "why" of submission. God's invitation wasn't based on threats or manipulation but on a simple reminder: "Remember how I have shown you my love and freed you." Their enthusiastic "yes" quickly faltered as doubt crept in during Moses' absence, leading them back to familiar patterns—the golden calf that represented their former captivity. Sound familiar? When uncertainty hits, we too often revert to what we know, even if those patterns once enslaved us.
The beauty of this story isn't the failure but what follows. Despite their rebellion, God renewed the covenant and still led them to the Promised Land. Even the forty years of wilderness wandering wasn't merely punishment but preparation—creating a people ready to live in freedom. This mirrors our journey with God, who loves us not because we get submission right, but "while we were still sinners."
Building this rhythm resembles helping a child construct a complex Lego set—progress is frustratingly slow, but the relationship formed through patient persistence becomes the real treasure. If you've shelved this spiritual practice because it seemed too difficult, perhaps today's the moment to pick it back up and rediscover the freedom found in yielding to the One whose love never fails.
What's truly molding and shaping your life today? Are you ready to experience the liberation that comes when love, not obligation, drives your surrender?

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Chapters

1. Introduction to Rhythms Series (00:00:00)

2. Understanding True Submission (00:03:09)

3. What Is Molding and Shaping You? (00:06:47)

4. The Covenant at Mount Sinai (00:10:30)

5. The Israelites' Golden Calf (00:13:08)

6. God's Persistent Love Despite Failure (00:19:38)

7. Building a Relationship with God (00:22:30)

8. Closing Thoughts and Challenge (00:26:47)