How can we "submit to one another" in our daily relationships? The Heart of Mutual Submission Ephesians 5:21 – “Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ.” • The verse stands as the doorway to every relationship in the church and in the home. • “Submit” (Greek, hypotassō) means to arrange yourself under another, willingly, not by coercion. • The motive is “reverence for Christ.” We bend to one another because we have already bowed to Him. What Submission Is—and Is Not • It IS an attitude of voluntary humility, seeking another’s good ahead of your own (Philippians 2:3-4). • It IS the everyday practice of love that “honors one another above yourselves” (Romans 12:10). • It is NOT surrendering to abuse, condoning sin, or denying God-given responsibilities (Acts 5:29). • It is NOT passivity; it is active, intentional service that mirrors Christ washing the disciples’ feet (John 13:14-15). Where Mutual Submission Shows Up Home • Husbands and wives: before distinct roles are addressed (Ephesians 5:22-33), both yield to Christ and to each other’s needs. • Parents and children: parents listen and learn their children’s hearts; children obey with respect (Ephesians 6:1-4). Church • Leaders shepherd, not dominate (1 Peter 5:2-3). • Members follow, pray for, and support leaders, while speaking truth in love (Hebrews 13:17; Ephesians 4:15). Workplace • Employees give honest labor “as to the Lord” (Colossians 3:22-24). • Employers treat workers “with justice and fairness” (Colossians 4:1). Friendships & Everyday Encounters • Quick to listen, slow to speak, slow to anger (James 1:19). • Ready to forgive as Christ forgave us (Colossians 3:13). • Joyfully bearing one another’s burdens (Galatians 6:2). Practical Habits That Cultivate Submission Daily choices that move the idea from page to life: • Start the day surrendering your agenda to Christ; ask whose needs He wants you to notice. • Practice “first serve”: in any setting, look for the first act of service you can do—refilling a coffee cup, giving a ride, sending an encouraging text (Galatians 5:13). • Speak blessings, not barbs. Compliment sincerely; correct gently (Proverbs 25:11). • Share decision-making: invite input, listen, and adjust plans when others see a better path (Proverbs 15:22). • Give up the last word; let grace close the conversation (Ecclesiastes 3:7). • Celebrate others’ successes without inserting your own story (Romans 12:15). • Keep short accounts: confess wrongs quickly; receive confession tenderly (1 John 1:9; Matthew 18:15). Motivations That Keep Us Going • Christ’s example: “The Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve” (Matthew 20:28). • The Spirit’s power: mutual submission is listed among the Spirit-filled results in Ephesians 5:18-21. • The Father’s smile: “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble” (1 Peter 5:5). Submitting to one another is not an optional extra of the Christian life; it is a daily, living picture of the gospel—Christ in us, choosing to elevate others for His glory. |
    |