Ephesians 5:19-6:9

Submission -


Paul deals once again with the issue of submission. He dealt with this issue in his letter to Colossians. This issue of how to deal with one another in these very intimate relationships is some of the best advice you will ever get. A lot of the turmoil in our lives comes from our inability to relate to those people with which we are yoked (stuck). Now, I'm not saying that these relationships are undesirable. It's simply a matter of overcoming our selfishness & putting the ones you love first that is so very difficult for our fleshly natures. So, let's revisit what it means to submit to one another out of reverence for Christ.


Submit:
1. to give over or yield to the power or authority of another (often used reflexively).
2. to subject to some kind of treatment or influence.
3. to present for the approval, consideration, or decision of another or others: to submit a plan; to submit an application.
4. to state or urge with deference; suggest or propose (usually followed by a clause): I submit that full proof should be required.


Wives: submit. In any relationship or organization there must be a leader. Women, your husband is your leader. That doesn't make him more powerful. You are still equal partners, but someone has to have the last say. Men NEED respect, so submit.

Husbands: love and do not be harsh. The other side of the coin requires men to love their wives. Women NEED love. Husbands, it's your job to love you wife as much as you love yourself. Remember, it's easy to submit to a loving and gentle husband.

Children: obey your parents. Teens, that means you. The only "out" in this obedience is if your parents ask you to break one of God's rules. Even then you should be respectful in how you go about it.

Fathers: do not embitter your children. Basically, treat them with kindness and love.

Slaves: obey your masters. Work like you're serving the Lord.

Masters: treat your slaves fairly and provide for them. Remember, we spoke of slavery in Roman times in Philemon. Rather than change an institution, the church attempted to change the hearts of men. Also, many slaves were working in a welfare-like program. They had no other means of support.

So, how should we treat others? WWJD - what would Jesus do? When you get fed up, enraged, bitter, or just plain hurt by the people closest to you - take a deep breath, spend some time in prayer, and then follow these guidelines. Watch how much easier life becomes.