What is the Difference Between Submission and Obedience?

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The difference between submission and obedience lies in the attitude and willingness of a person to comply with the authority or power they are subjected to.

  • Submission: Submission involves yielding to the power or authority of another person or institution. It is an attitude that embraces a spirit of readiness to follow the will of another, often out of respect and love for those in power. Submission is more passive and involves acquiescence in what another wishes.
  • Obedience: Obedience, on the other hand, refers to following orders, commands, or instructions from a person or institution. Obedience can be rendered willingly or unwillingly, and it is more focused on complying with the requirements given by the authority.

In summary, while both submission and obedience involve compliance with authority, submission is characterized by a willingness and readiness to follow the will of another out of respect and love, whereas obedience focuses on following commands or instructions, regardless of the person's willingness to comply.

Comparative Table: Submission vs Obedience

Here is a table comparing the differences between submission and obedience:

Submission Obedience
Submission involves yielding to power or authority, often out of respect and love. Obedience involves following orders, commands, or instructions, and does not necessarily require a personal relationship or respect for the person in authority.
Submission is a matter of inward motive and attitude. Obedience is a matter of outward act and move, and may be rendered willingly or unwillingly.
Submission is more passive, involving acquiescence in what another wishes, and often involves love. Obedience is a duty derived from a relationship to one under whose power we are, and involves either doing something or occasionally not doing something.

In summary, submission is an attitude of yielding to power or authority with respect and love, while obedience is following orders or commands without necessarily requiring a personal relationship or respect for the person in authority. Submission is more about inward motives and attitudes, whereas obedience is about outward actions and moves.