Submit to One Another

  Now we come to that hated word: submit.  People today do not like the thought of submitting to someone else.  So let's face it and see what it says.
  First, "Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ" (Ephesians 5:21).  People who are submitted to Christ, who reverence the Lord, should be able to submit to one another.  In all kinds of relationships decisions need to be made.  Sometimes all parties agree, sometimes they don't, and one party goes along with the other's decision.  The level of submission required depends on the importance of the decision.
  One common place that Christians live this out is in their local church congregation.  How much talk (gossip) goes on over church decisions?  Let's be honest.  Lots of decisions are rehashed for months and years.  This does nothing to build up the body of Christ, and, in fact, tears it down and ruins our witness.  We must learn to use discernment about what matters are really important enough to have a public disagreement about.
  
  For Reflection:  We are to submit to one another out of reverence for Christ.  Christ first love us.  He loved us when we were not submitted to him.  If he can do that, can we not love others who love him and submit to others who submit to him?

  Let us pray.  Jesus, you loved me even when I had no knowledge of you.  You submitted your life to the cross for me before I was born.  Help me to submit my life to you.  Grant me discernment about submitting to others out of reverence for you.
  

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