Submission vs. Obedience — What's the Difference?

Submission is a psychological and emotional act that involves willingly yielding to the authority or will of another, often emphasizing humility, respect, and a sense of voluntary acquiescence. It's about accepting someone else's leadership or superiority in a relationship, whether personal, professional, or spiritual. On the other hand, obedience is more about the act of following orders, instructions, or rules set by someone in a position of authority. It focuses on compliance with established guidelines or commands, regardless of personal feelings or relationships.

In submission, the emphasis is on the internal attitude and the voluntary nature of the act. It is a choice made by the individual to yield control, often as a sign of respect or trust. Submission can be seen in various contexts, including personal relationships, religious practices, and certain workplace dynamics, where it reflects a deeper relational or values-based commitment. Whereas, obedience is often required and expected in structured environments like the military, schools, and certain workplaces, where specific actions or behaviors are demanded by those in charge.

The dynamics of submission often involve a deeper level of understanding and relationship between the parties involved. It implies a degree of trust and respect that goes beyond mere compliance, often rooted in love, loyalty, or belief. Obedience, however, can be elicited without such a relationship, as it primarily requires the individual to adhere to the rules or commands without necessarily agreeing with or understanding the underlying reasons.

While submission incorporates a sense of humility and often involves a personal choice to relinquish power or control, obedience is more externally imposed, focusing on adherence to specific directives. Submission can be a part of obedience when one chooses to obey out of a sense of personal commitment or respect, but obedience can exist without submission if it is driven by fear, compulsion, or a sense of duty without personal conviction.

Submission and obedience, while related, differ primarily in their basis and the nature of the relationship involved. Submission is a voluntary act of yielding that springs from a place of trust, respect, or love, focusing on the internal attitude of the individual. Obedience, on the other hand, is about following specific commands or rules, often imposed from an external source, with an emphasis on compliance and the outward action.