There is the important distinction between the letter of the Law and the spirit of the Law; the declaration by Jesus of Nazareth that he comes not to discard the Law, but to fulfill it. And there is the commandment to obey one's parents. In all these cases one's compliance is not simply an external, visible expression of respecting Human Institutions. Rather, this heart of obedience is a deeper thing; something that softens one's heart and breaks the hard shell of arrogance or certainty in one's own merit and the fruits of one's own efforts. Think also of the meaning of "meek" as in The Meek Shall Inherit the Kingdom. Weak, pliable, compliant is not the heart of the matter; rather it is strength that is under control - or is under the direction of Father-Mother God instead of one's own will or the will of one's socially higher in (worldly) status.
In both instances - meekness, or obedience - the key is one's attitude; what is inside; one's intentionality or purpose; what one means when moving through life's seasons and engaging with one's fellows. Obedience unto the cross is the example set by brother Jesus. Obedience is not for show or example to one's fellows in the first instance (although maybe the ripples it makes do also have benefit). Instead obedience is for one's heart; it is a means rather than ends; it is a formative rather than summative evaluation.
In both instances - meekness, or obedience - the key is one's attitude; what is inside; one's intentionality or purpose; what one means when moving through life's seasons and engaging with one's fellows. Obedience unto the cross is the example set by brother Jesus. Obedience is not for show or example to one's fellows in the first instance (although maybe the ripples it makes do also have benefit). Instead obedience is for one's heart; it is a means rather than ends; it is a formative rather than summative evaluation.
