Submitting to one another out of reverence for Christ. – Ephesians 5:21
The military is characterized by its different ranks – corporal, sergeant, general, etc. – and each soldier is expected to submit to all of the men and women that hold a higher rank. According to Paul in Ephesians 5, there is a great deal that Christians can learn from this type of soldier mindset.
In his letter to the Ephesians, Paul gives instructions for how Christians should treat each other. The literal translation of the word “submission” used in verse 21 is a military word, meaning “to be under in rank.” Christians are obligated and expected to respect and submit to one another, just as soldiers act toward those of higher rank in the military. The lower-ranked person is not less important or less talented, they are simply respecting the authority of whoever is in charge.
If someone no longer wants to be “under rank” in the military, it is called mutiny. And just as there would be chaos if mutiny occurs within a unit, the church can experience chaos when its members are unwilling to show deference for each other or follow those in authority. Soldiers give respect to rank for the good of the whole unit, rather than the individual. This is the same mindset Paul urges Christians to have – caring about each other, rather than themselves.
Take time to ask that God would illuminate your heart in this area of humility today. Pray that He would also work in the nation’s governing officials, that they would learn to submit to each other as necessary, for the benefit of the entire country.
Today’s Verse: Ephesians 5:21
submitting to one another out of reverence for Christ.
All Scripture quotations and audio are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Recommended for further reading: 1 Peter 5:1-10
5 So I exhort the elders among you, as a fellow elder and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, as well as a partaker in the glory that is going to be revealed: 2 shepherd the flock of God that is among you, exercising oversight, not under compulsion, but willingly, as God would have you; not for shameful gain, but eagerly; 3 not domineering over those in your charge, but being examples to the flock. 4 And when the chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory. 5 Likewise, you who are younger, be subject to the elders. Clothe yourselves, all of you, with humility toward one another, for “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.
6 Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, 7 casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you. 8 Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. 9 Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world. 10 And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you.
All Scripture quotations and audio are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
