Word for the day “Considerations on marriage”
Ephesians 5:21 (NKJV) Submitting to one another in the fear of God. [c]22 Wives, submit to your own husbands, as to the Lord. 23 For the husband is head of the wife, as also Christ is head of the church; and He is the Savior of the body. 24 Therefore, just as the church is subject to Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in everything.
Submission in marriage is controversial.
It doesn't get more controversial than this marriage message today. In conversations about Christian marriage, (Ephesians 5:21-33) gets hauled out and used to defend all kinds of ideas about who gets to do and say what in a marriage. Entire books have been written on the issue of submission in marriage. Scholars have debated it. Well-meaning people have argued over it. Pastors have preached on it (and suffered the backlash from the congregation). Yet for all its controversy, submission seems to be one of those issues that couples don’t really talk about. Instead, it has become a self-selecting process: We tend to marry a person whose ideas about submission may not coincide with our own. I don’t know many couples who argue about, or come to the brink of divorce over, the topic of submission.
Always be mindful that submission in marriage is a process.
I do, however, know many couples who use their view on submission as an excuse to make immature decisions in their marriages. I know men who claim “headship” as an excuse for becoming overbearing and controlling, trampling their wives in the process. And I know women who wear their perception of submission like a veil behind which they can hide from responsibility and maturity, forcing their husbands to take on all the accountability in their marriages. Perhaps we have misunderstood what submission is all about. We think of it as being an issue of position, of power. But, in truth, submission is about the process. Look at what is said - and isn’t said - about submission in these verses. (Ephesians 5:21-33) talks about mutuality and respect, about care and tenderness, about compassion, goodness, and gentleness. It describes being Christlike in our marriages. This passage is about how we are to live together as husbands and wives.
Point to ponder
You may not be where you want to be in your marriage or have someone in mind for marriage. Perhaps something in today’s message will add value to your life or circumstance. Marriage is not a selfish institution; marriage is a submission covenant that connects to the hearts of men and women.
Special thanks!
James Baker, Jr. and our leadership team are especially thankful for those of you who provided financial donations and support in the month of April 2021, by partnering with us in efforts to advance the kingdom of God in this 21st century season: Special thanks to Ms. Annette Straker, Ms. Rita McGuffin, Mr. Kenneth Washington, Ms. Mable Bazemore, Ms. Evelyn Rosado, Ms. Itholear Abbott, Mrs. Barbara Mason, Ms. Jeanette Grant, Ms. Angela Battle, Pastor Raymond Phillips, Mr. William Jones, Ms. Angie Scraders-Murphy, Mr. Calvin Jackson, Mrs. Shakeema Lowe, Mr. Calvin Griffith, Mrs. Angela Harrison, Mr. William Wilson, and Ms. Gertrude Scott.
Thank you for using the word cup devotionals brought to you through Grace and Truth Leadership. Why don’t you take the opportunity to write to us on our blog and let us know how we are doing in serving you.
We are a faith-based, donor-supported ministry. If you have been touched by these daily devotionals and would like to make a monthly pledge or a special gift of any amount, please use the donate link above to give as the Lord leads.
Follow me on Twitter @James Baker_jr as I endeavor to encourage and empower leaders of today and tomorrow!
Kingdom Blessings,