BUILDING EACH OTHER UP
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Scripture Reading: Ephesians 5:21-33
Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ.
Ephesians 5:21
We have observed this month that encouragement, kindness, compassion, and forgiveness are at the center of Paul’s teaching. Each of these focuses on serving someone beyond ourselves. That’s in line with what we are taught in the second great commandment: “Love your neighbor as yourself” (Matthew 22:39).
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. The kind of submission Paul is speaking of here is more closely related to love and respect, a willingness to seek the good of another and to recognize the worth of another person.
And 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. The practice of biblical submission is closely related to our own spiritual maturity. That is why Paul urges that we submit to one another “out of reverence for Christ.”
Perhaps you find the idea of being submissive difficult and in conflict with the spirit of our times. Maybe you think we should be “all we can be” as individuals. But submitting to one another and building each other up is the way Christ showed us how to live.
Prayer
Teach us, Savior and Lord, the spiritual discipline of mutual submission. We desire to walk in your ways and to show our reverence for you. In your name we pray. Amen.
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GET TODAY
Imagine a world that is full of hate, self servering people, each with their own agenda, doing whatever they would like to do. Would you be happy in this environment? Would you grow as God really intended you to grow? I think not!!!
Now imagine that same world through the eyes of a christian. See the love, compassion, encouragement that abounds. Look at his walk with God. He is not boastful, self servering, or all that and five sticks of chewing gum. He is meek, caring, loving and doing what God would have him to do. He relects God like characteristics, especially LOVE.
Today submit to loving one another, and diligently follow the biblical path that Paul talks about. A llitlle bit of love goes a long way. Amen.