One of the things I often say is that “what we believe needs to affect how we behave.” It’s the idea that the “vertical” relationship we have with Christ should affect the “horizontal.” Over the past few weeks, our series has taken us from beautiful theology to practical living. The theme tying it all together is found in Ephesians 5:21.
Submission. Love. Reverence.
John Calvin has stated, “Where love reigns, there is mutual servitude.” He added that this applies even to kings and rulers. They must serve their people, as must pastors and politicians. As we will see this week, so must husbands and wives. In all this, Jesus is the model.
Love is at the heart of the Bible’s teaching on submission. Submission is not about just giving in to someone else’s wishes or obeying what someone else says. It runs much deeper than that. Furthermore, being submissive is not a one-way street. Paul says clearly, “Submit to one another.” Biblical submission is mutual, wholesome, and loving. It is not a submission forced by a “because I said so” attitude. It is a spiritual maturity that is born “out of reverence for Christ.”
While our society sees submission as a “4 letter word,” Paul sees it as the church modeling the acts of Jesus Christ and His life of selfless sacrifice. As we unpack these beautiful truths together this week, let’s challenge ourselves to seek to have the heart and mind of Christ in all our relationships.
