Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ.

Ephesians 5:21

Submission is a word that is looked down upon in our society today. People attach all kinds of negative feelings to it, but as usual our culture’s definition of the word and God’s are different. The world thinks it means that you let people walk all over you and never take a stand on anything; that is not what God says about submission.

It is important to keep in mind that the book of Ephesians is written to believers in Christ. Paul is telling these Christians at Ephesus that a true sign of their spiritual maturity will be if they submit to one another out of their reverence for Christ. In other words live at peace with each other, put the others needs above your own, don’t be stubborn and obstinate. There is to be no “My way or the highway” mentality among them. Within many churches in the world today there is much unrest among believers, it can usually be traced back to pride, to someone not acting in the way that God calls us to behave as His children! And those churches are the same churches that are wondering why membership is waining

Worship on Sunday can be inspiring and uplifting. Worship in everyday life can be exhilarating. Worship in our relationships can be transformational. But such worship always requires that we give up our own ways, our own wills, and our own wants and learn to live for another. If we truly live with Christ Jesus as our Lord, we will live as he did; we will submit to others to serve them for their good and to meet their needs. Sometimes that means being tender. Other times that means being tough. But it always means living to God’s glory through His Word, the scriptures, not a personal opinion.

Father God, I love You so, help me to live at peace with those that You place in my life each day. Help me to show them Your love, mercy, and grace for Your glory Abba, Amen!

O LORD God Almighty, I find it hard to submit myself and my desires to anyone else. I find it so easy to see things only from my point of view. I catch myself looking out for my own self-interest and not the welfare of others. Please fill me with your Spirit more mightily so that my life displays your love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness, faithfulness, and self-control. In Jesus’ name, I ask for your divine help so that my life displays more of Jesus’ character. Amen.