Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ. (Ephesians 5:21)

Submission is the essence of relationship.  When we put ourselves first, we aren’t really capable of loving anyone.  Our own desires blind us to what the other person needs and wants.  When we learn to submit, to see the other person’s needs and put them ahead of our own, we take the first step in learning to love.  Jesus Christ provided us the perfect example of submission.  Without his submission to the Father, we would be forever lost.  When we follow his example, we honor him and build godly relationships at the same time.

This verse leads into Paul’s famous section on submission.  Paul is going to talk about husbands and wives, parents and children, even slaves and masters.  No matter what the relationship, the principal is the same.  Put the other first.  Don’t worry about what you need, or what you think you need.  Trust your needs to God, and focus on the other person.

So, Beloved, to whom do you need to submit today?  Gird your loins—this oughta be fun!

Happy Friday.