Submitting To One Another

Submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of God.

Ephesians 5:21

Submission and the idea of it in relation to other people runs strongly counter to human nature.  As Paul is moving toward a large discussion of submission, he concludes the list of behaviors which relate to the filling of the Spirit by adding, ‘submitting to one another in the reverence of God.’  Because of the way in which the matter of authority and submission has been handled, especially in religious circles, it has provoked a reaction which makes the idea of submission out of the question to many people.  What are we to make of this statement from Paul considering it occurs within the context of what we consider to be the inspired, infallible Word of God?  Certainly one thought should be that this submission is mutual.  It is submission ‘to one another.’  Secondly, it is submission which arises out of reverence and regard for God.  Third, if we view the wider context, we see that Christ Himself has set the example by submitting to His Father, even so much as to say in one place, ‘Not my will, but yours be done.’  Again, such a spirit is the direct result of the Holy Spirit’s filling.  Christ had the Spirit without limitation.  God has given the Spirit to us.  He can enable us to rightly understand how to submit ‘to one another in the fear of God.’ 

Our Holy and Wise God,
we rejoice that You are able to give us wisdom
far beyond what we would ever naturally have.
We praise You that as we seek Your Face,
You bestow Your wisdom upon us,
by pointing us to Christ.

Tomm Tice
Where the Bush is Burning