“Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ.” Ephesians 5:21 NIV

Series: Ephesians: Reading the Bible for Spiritual Formation

Devotional: 6 of 7

No one wants to be arm wrestled into believing or doing something they are not ready to do. Even if deep down in the recesses of their soul, they know it to be true.

Created in the image of God, every person who has ever walked the face of the earth carries with them a unique sense of dignity and worth. Because of His infinite love and mercy for us, even God will not force or coerce us into submitting our lives to Him. Instead, He stands daily knocking at the door of our hearts. With each knock, He invites us into an interactive relationship with Him.

It is through this lens that we approach the Apostle Paul's invitation to "Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ." (Ephesians 5:21 NIV)

Paul's words point us back to the example and teaching of Jesus, who in speaking to His disciples both then and now said, "It will not be so among you; but whoever wishes to be great among you must be your servant, and whoever wishes to be first among you must be your slave; just as the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as ransom for many." (Matthew 20:26-28 NRSV)

Mutual submission to one another begins and is sustained by the daily practice of submitting our lives to the will of God and the advancement of His Kingdom here on earth. With our eyes fixed on Christ, observing everything He said and did, mutual submission to each other becomes the natural overflow of an intimate relationship with our King. The more time we spend in close proximity to Jesus, the more we are reminded of His sacrifice for us. He laid down His life for us, and in turn, we are called to lay down our lives for each other.

As his disciples, we are called to serve one another in love, willingly laying down our pride, our preferences, and our desire to build our own little kingdom here on earth.

So what exactly does a life surrendered to God and each other look like?

Throughout his letter, the Apostle Paul offers clues as to what a life characterized by submission looks like.

Humility, tenderness, mercy, and kindness. These are just some of the fruit that comes from a heart that is willing to submit to God's will and the needs of the body of Christ.

As you go, take a moment to prayerfully consider the following questions: Where in your life is Christ inviting you to model His example of submission to the will of the Father? How might God want to transform your relationships with those around you through the practice of mutual submission out of reverence for all that Christ has done for you?

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Submit to One Another Out of Reverence For Christ