MUTUAL SUBMISSION
And further, submit to one another out of reverence for Christ.
Ephesians 5:21 (NLT)
Bring up Ephesians 5 in any conversation about marriage, and you’re likely to set someone on edge. Unfortunately, there’s a history of only citing Ephesians 5:22, which calls for wives to submit to their husbands. When we cherry-pick one verse out of context, we almost always fail to grasp the fullness of what God is communicating.
Yes, wives are exhorted to submit to their husbands. What a weighty responsibility to lead! In my marriage, there have been only a few times where my wife has said aloud to me, I’m submitting to your authority as my husband in this. Rather than this being a time of exulting in my win, this has caused me to humble myself and make sure I’m aligned with God’s will.
There’s further context in Ephesians 5. Husbands are called to love their wives as Christ loved the church (5:25). This means that husbands are called to sacrifice on behalf of their wives. To lay down their lives for their wives. It’s in this context that wives are called to submit. Sacrifice and submission are both needed. And there’s a reciprocity involved in submission, as evidenced by Ephesians 5:21.
A healthy marriage, or any relationship for that matter, is one of give and take. There must be a mutual respect and honor present. When there’s not, things fall out of balance. One partner may seek to take advantage of or dominate the other. It goes against the very idea of partnership! May we live out relationships that honor both Christ and one another.
APPLICATION: If you’re married, have a conversation with your spouse about sacrifice and submission. Perhaps have a conversation about the health of your marriage at this juncture. If you’re not married, consider the health of your closest relationships. Are you loving sacrificially?
PRAYER: Almighty God, please help me to love those around me as You love me. Please help me to walk in humility, willingly sacrificing for the sake of others. In Jesus’ name, amen.
“… Our Father in heaven…” Matthew 6:9b (NLT)
- What do You want to say to me today as my Father?
“… may Your name be kept holy.” Matthew 6:9c (NLT)
- What do You want to reveal to me about Your power today?
“May Your Kingdom come soon.” Matthew 6:10a (NLT)
- Help me make Your priorities my priorities today.
“Give us today the food we need,” Matthew 6:11 (NLT)
- Is there anything specific You want me to do with my time or the people I’m around today?
“and forgive us our sins, as we have forgiven those who sin against us” Matthew 6:12 (NLT)
- Reveal to me anyone I need to forgive or ask for forgiveness.
“And don’t let us yield to temptation…” Matthew 6:13a (NLT)
- Is there anywhere I’m vulnerable to temptation?