Christian Living Today

I believe I ‘ranted’ a bit in my last post on hospitality. My apologies. Ranting really is not necessary. However, the hospitality issue has really been brought to the forefront in my thinking lately.

As a result, I am doing some research and reading. As usual, I will seek to consolidate my thoughts by writing them down. Thus I expect there will be some posts on hospitality in the future - this being one.

Have you ever taken a drive in the country? I did the other day. I was struck by the number of signs along the road. Besides the address placards, one sees name signs - “The Cooper’s” or “Lazy S Ranch.” However, the most common signs were: “Welcome Friends” or “No Trespassing.” I guess it is a sign of our times that the later far outnumbered the former.

What is sad is when we walk into a new church and feel like we somehow missed the ‘No Trespassing’ sign at the door. Granted, our attitude toward strangers is bound to be affected, at least to a point, by the general attitude of the community in which we live. If we live in an area where the ‘Welcome Friends’ signs outweigh the ‘No Trespassing’ signs (something I fear is growing more rare by the moment), we are likely to carry this attitude into our churches.

If we live in an area where the opposite is true, it will probably influence the way we treat the ‘strangers’ who walk through our church doors. The question is, Should it? The answer: no!

Krister Stendahl put it this way. “Wherever, whenever, however the kingdom manifests itself, it is welcome.” If we can’t be welcoming to those walking through our church doors, what does this say about our Christianity?

I’m not talking here about greeters or formal welcoming committees. I’m talking about how YOU respond when someone you do not know walks into your church. Do you go about your business and leave it to the ‘greeters’ to welcome them? Do you smile and turn away? Do you say ‘hi’, maybe shake their hand, then consider you’re part done?

In her book, “Making Room: Recovering Hospitality as a Christian Tradition”, Christine Pohl says, “Hospitality is a lens through which we can understand much of the gospel, and a practice by which we can welcome Jesus himself.”

Read that again. Does it ever cross your mind the way you treat the strangers who enter your fellowship is they way you treat Christ? Consider these verses from Matthew 25 verses 32 through 46:

“All the nations will be gathered before Him, and He will separate them one from another, as a shepherd divides his sheep from the goats. And He will set the sheep on His right hand, but the goats on the left. Then the King will say to those on His right hand, ‘Come, you blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world: for I was hungry and you gave Me food; I was thirsty and you gave Me drink; I was a stranger and you took Me in; I was naked and you clothed Me; I was sick and you visited Me; I was in prison and you came to Me.’ Then the righteous will answer Him, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see You hungry and feed You, or thirsty and give You drink? When did we see You a stranger and take You in, or naked and clothe You? Or when did we see You sick, or in prison, and come to You?’ And the King will answer and say to them, ‘Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me.’

Did you notice the words, “righteous” and “cursed”? What is a mark of the righteous? The cursed? Hospitality! I am not saying hospitality is a requirement of salvation. This is not in keeping with the rest of Scripture. What I believe this passage is teaching is that hospitality is a ‘sign’ of salvation. In other words, as Christians we should be hospitable. If we aren’t, why not?

There really are just two churches out there - there is the church where you walk in and feel welcome. The people are friendly. They treat you like family - and they should. Then there is the church who is so superficial (if they are friendly at all), you wonder why they bother.

Most people who walk through our church doors are people we should expect to spend time with in eternity. Those who are not Christians certainly will not be impacted if we don’t reach out. So, there is NO ONE who walks through our church doors who we shouldn’t be happy to see.

Think about it. How do families treat each other? While there are dysfunctional families, in a ‘normal’ family, we don’t just say ‘hi’ or exchange smiles or shake hands. Think about a family reunion. At most family reunions, family members are brought together who rarely (or perhaps never) see one another. We consider the reunion a success if, at the day’s end, everyone is visiting with someone and there are no ‘cast-offs’ left to fend for themselves.

If you desire to be the ‘righteous’ who treat others as if it were Jesus to whom you were ministering, if you want your church to really exhibit a family atmosphere, if you want to exhibit the reality of your Christian profession, if you want all the family members who walk through your church doors to feel ‘welcome’ not ‘cast-offs,’ you must seek to connect to the strangers who cross your path - particularly within the circle of your church activities.

How do we do that? Do more than just say ‘hi’. Try to start a conversation. It is much easier than you might think. Ask about the other person. Volunteer similar information about yourself. Go beyond the ‘hi’ and hand shake. Show real interest in the other person. Better yet, invite those ‘strangers’ home. Show them your Christian label is real. You may be surprised at what you find.

If you find this whole idea inconceivable - If the idea of talking to a stranger more frightening than a trip to the dentist, I can sympathize. Friendliness to strangers is NOT my strongest character trait. However, we both need to remember the primary reason why we are so uncomfortable reaching out to people we don’t know. We are too proud!

Ouch! I know that hurts. I HATE to think of myself as a proud person, but reality is, the REAL reason we are uncomfortable in the presence of people we don’t know is we are far too focused on ourselves. We don’t know them well enough to be uncomfortable around them because of who ‘they’ are - it is because of who we ‘think’ we are. We don’t want to do anything which might put us at a disadvantage or make us look any less than how we ‘think’ we should look.

So, when you or I fail to reach out to someone else - well, we are committing at least two sins. We are failing to show we are Christians by our love AND we are allowing our pride to make us respond in a less than Christian way.

Philip Hallie put it very succinctly: “Deeds speak the language of the great virtues far better than do words. . .Words limp outside the gates of the mystery of compassion for strangers.”

Every culture has its taboos, its weaknesses, its quirks. This is as old as time and should come as no surprise. What should shock and concern us, however, is how easily cultural norms infect the church. Sadly, this too is as old as time.

In Jesus day the Jewish culture had been greatly influenced by the Pharisitical mindset. In fact, the teachings of the Pharisees had become so entwined with the teachings of Scripture the people often saw them as one. No surprise. The Pharisees taught them as one. Thus most of Jesus discussions with the Pharisees were focused on addressing these errors in their thinking and teaching.

Our culture has had much the same effect on the church. We are much more susceptible to sins which are condoned and encouraged within our culture. Furthermore, Christians are often confused about issues which our culture has defined as either good or bad　if they are not clearly delineated in Scripture - in other words not in direct conflict with the Ten Commandments. (Yet, we can see the depth of culture’s influence when we realize even the Ten Commandments are falling under our culture’s axe.)

However, Worse yet may be the tendency by many Christians to allow culture to define Scripture. I believe the passage in Matthew 7:1 is an EXCELLENT example of this sort of error.

In Matthew 7:1 we read: “Judge not, that ye be not judged.” What does this mean?

Most Christians and non-Christians (who care to say) would agree. It means you are not to judge anyone. Christians would probably add, God is the only Judge. We have no right to make judgement calls. In fact, if we do we will bring God’s wrath down upon our own heads.

Is this what the verse means? I would suggest we ought to be suspect of this definition for at least three reasons:

One - There are other passages in Scripture where we are called to judge. Since Scripture never contradicts itself, we need to proceed carefully to avoid error.

Two - This is one verse. We have not looked at the surrounding text. As we have discussed previously, God did not just give us one verse. Just like anything we say can be twisted to mean something completely different than intended if taken out of context, so can Scripture. We MUST read passages - especially controversial texts - in context.

Three - Our present day culture is based upon just such an interpretation. If our culture says it is right, we ought to at least be suspect!

So, let’s look at the context. In large context we are in the middle of Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount. As we narrow our focus we see chapter 6 began with an exhortation on prayer, followed by the Lord’s example prayer, which He closed with an exhortation to forgive. Next Jesus addresses a proper attitude toward fasting followed by the reminder that where our treasure’s location reveals heart’s home. The chapter closes with the exhortation not to worry about the future because our Father in heaven is in control.

Matthew 7:1-5 then says, “Judge not, that you be not judged. For with what judgment you judge, you will be judged; and with the measure you use, it will be measured back to you. And why do you look at the speck in your brother’s eye, but do not consider the plank in your own eye? Or how can you say to your brother, ‘Let me remove the speck from your eye’; and look, a plank is in your own eye? Hypocrite! First remove the plank from your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye.”

From here Jesus goes on to talk about asking and receiving followed by the narrow and wide gate and warnings about false prophets.

We must remember, as we look into this passage, that Matthew does not record the Sermon on the Mount verbatim. In other words, he did not have a tape recorder and is now transcribing every word Jesus said. What he did record is what the Holy Spirit inspired him to record. Thus we must be careful on two sides:

One - we must realize we are not reading a novel where this chapter is a continuation of the chapter before and the chapter to follow. They do tie, and a serious review (like reading John MacArthur’s book on the subject) shows how well they tie together. However, there are several specific subjects addressed - each following the one before.

Two - we must realize every word we need to allow us to understand and correctly interpret this passage is included either in this passage or in the Bible as a whole. In other words, we do not need to go to the cultural gurus to gain enlightenment into what Jesus is saying here. So, what is He saying?

There are two very important pieces in this passage which allow us to gain a basic understanding of His meaning based on this passage alone. One is a descriptive word. One is an illustration. Jesus describes those to whom He is addressing this command. He calls them hypocrites! Further, He uses an illustration which shows ‘how’ they are hypocrites. He says, “why do you look at the speck in your brother’s eye, but do not consider the plank in your own eye? Or how can you say to your brother, ‘Let me remove the speck from your eye’; and look, a plank is in your own eye?”

Thus, from the start we see this text is NOT telling us to make no judgement calls. It is telling us not to be hypocritical in our judgements. There is a BIG difference. There are really two extremes, and we tend to land somewhere in the middle.

Our culture says: Do not judge, which means: “I’m okay. You’re okay.” “Whatever feels good, do it.” “Everything is relative.” “What’s right for you may not be right for me.”

In other words, they say we cannot judge another. However, if I steal your car, your response is not going to be, “Whatever feels go, do it.” You will want ‘justice’. It becomes obvious our world view is not as extreme as we want everyone to think it is.

Our church says: Do not judge, which means: “You have no right to suggest something I believe or something I am doing is not biblical.” However, if the gal in the next pew makes a move on your husband because she said God told her he was to be ‘her’ man now, it is highly doubtful you will agree!

We make judgement calls every day. We tell our children to do or not to do things because we believe them to be right or wrong. And well we should. It would be impossible to discipline our children (as we are commanded to do - in a right attitude and with a proper goal), if we never made judgement calls.

Furthermore, we feel offended or ‘wronged’ because we judge someone’s actions or attitudes toward us to be negative. Even in simpler things - such as a trip to the grocery store - we make judgement calls. In fact, if we are honest, life would be impossible without our ability to make judgements.

But, you may say, this passage is talking about judging another person - which in fact it is. And, as I have shown above, as parents (or employers) we do judge other people and we must. However, briefly let’s look at this passage directly.

Adam Clarke put it about as succinctly as anyone when he commented on this passage. He said, “These exhortations are pointed against rash, harsh, and uncharitable judgments, the thinking evil, where no evil seems, and speaking of it accordingly. . .By a secret and criminal disposition of nature, man endeavours to elevate himself above others, and, to do it more effectually, depresses them. His jealous and envious heart wishes that there may be no good quality found but in himself, that he alone may be esteemed.”

Herein lies the key. Jesus is NOT saying we are not to make a judgement call. In fact, He says, in this passage, “First remove the plank from your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye.” In other words, take care of your own more grievous sin in this area, then you will be more fit to help your brother or sister as they fight against their sin.

Two other passages add insight. Romans 2:1 gives clarity. Here we read, “Therefore you are inexcusable, O man, whoever you are who judge, for in whatever you judge another you condemn yourself; for you who judge practice the same things.” Note the inexcusable action　is that we condemn someone else for something while we practice the same things!

The other passage is Luke’s rendering of this sermon. In 6:37 we read, “Judge not, and you shall not be judged. Condemn not, and you shall not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven.” Again we read the word, condemn.

Barnes explains it this way, he says Christ does not “condemn our forming an opinion of the conduct of others, for it is impossible not to form an opinion of conduct that we know to be evil. But what he refers to is a habit of forming a judgment hastily, harshly, and without an allowance for every palliating circumstance, and of expressing such an opinion harshly and unnecessarily when formed.”

Thus we find judgement calls - or discernment - are NOT condemned. What is condemned is an unjust heart attitude which condones sin in ourselves while condemning it in others. Further we see the warning not to condemn. In other words, when we do make judgement calls, we need to avoid being harsh, hasty, and unbending. Or, to put it another way, we need to make sure we are as gracious in forgiving others, as generous in giving them the benefit of the doubt, as we are in doing the same for ourselves!

While I hope to share further studies I’ve done recently on this subject and look at it from a slightly different viewpoint, I will close with this: When we are commanded not to judge, we are basically commanded not to condemn someone else based on our interpretation of the motives and intents of their hearts. We cannot see another person’s heart. We have no idea why they made the decision they made or did the thing they did.

On the other hand, however, we MUST not condone sin, either (and most importantly) in our own hearts or in the hearts and lives of our fellow Christians. This is what Matthew 18 is talking about.

Third, and just briefly, when we realize we are in the presence of someone who hates God and all He stands for, we must not give them the opportunity to ‘trample under’ the Word of God - at least not with our help and at our hand. This is what Matthew 7 verse 6 is saying.

God grant us wisdom to discern - first in our own lives and then in the lives of others. God grant us courage to confront - the sin in our own hearts and, as necessary, in the lives of those whose lives are entwined with ours. God grant us grace to never condemn another when we have been forgiven for SO very much!

The servant’s role is not a popular role. It was not in Jesus day. It is no more so today. While I doubt most of us consciously seek to be served, it underlies most of our thoughts and actions - whether we realize it or not.

Consider your relationships. How does it make you feel if someone does something for you? Something totally unexpected yet greatly appreciated? If you are like those I know (myself included), there is a sense of pleasure, a sense of well-being, a sense of comfort, even, in having someone think of you and your needs without being asked.

Is this not why we enjoy ‘surprises’? Why we like flattery? Why we want our spouse or parents or friends to ‘do’ things - especially unexpected nice things - for us? And, in all honesty, is it not often the motivating factor for doing for someone else? In other words, we hope by doing something special, something above and beyond, for a friend or co-worker or spouse they will reciprocate in turn.

Is this what Jesus was talking about when He called us to serve? Do you remember the story of James and John - of their attempt to climb the ‘ladder of success’? Mark 10:35-45 records it this way:

“Then James and John, the sons of Zebedee, came to Him, saying, “Teacher, we want You to do for us whatever we ask.” And He said to them, “What do you want Me to do for you?” They said to Him, “Grant us that we may sit, one on Your right hand and the other on Your left, in Your glory.” But Jesus said to them, “You do not know what you ask. Are you able to drink the cup that I drink, and be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with?” They said to Him, “We are able.” So Jesus said to them, “You will indeed drink the cup that I drink, and with the baptism I am baptized with you will be baptized; but to sit on My right hand and on My left is not Mine to give, but it is for those for whom it is prepared.” And when the ten heard it, they began to be greatly displeased with James and John. But Jesus called them to Himself and said to them, “You know that those who are considered rulers over the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones exercise authority over them. Yet it shall not be so among you; but whoever desires to become great among you shall be your servant. And whoever of you desires to be first shall be slave of all. For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.”"

Most of us have heard and read Jesus’ final words in this passage many times. Many strive, in some form or another, to respond as He directs in this passage. However, how many times have we headed out with good intentions and then been thrown off track by the challenges and trials which come with service - or possibly just the general events in life?

Everything and everyone around us tell us our ‘worth’ our ‘value’ our ‘identity’ is tied up in who we are - at least in who the world says we are. However, Jesus says just the opposite. Quite frankly, no matter how we say it, Jesus words run crosswise to what most of us truly believe.

Sadly enough, however, when we read this passage we are often quick to judge James and John. Hypocrites that we tend to be, we can see the arrogance in their words while failing to acknowledge the same attitude which dwells in our own hearts.

Too often we are blinded to God’s priorities as we focus on our own desires. We become self-serving. We even try to get others to join ‘our plan’ and ‘serve’ us. Ultimately we even seek to bring God around to our way of thinking.

Does that sound too radical? Look at your prayers. We have been digging into what God-centered prayer looks like. While we have just begun to scratch the surface, we have seen prayer begins with - ultimately is based upon - worship of God.

Nonetheless, do we not find most of our prayers focused upon ourselves? God give me this. God take this away. God do this. God provide that. In other words - God make me happy. God serve me! Does this not sound like James and John in the passage above?

Paul, in Phillipians 2:3-7 gives us the prescription for true service. He says:

“Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others. Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men.”

Easy to say - so very hard to do! In fact, without the grace of God, we will never attain this standard. Yes, our actions may sometimes, even often, look like this, but our heart attitude will often reflect a totally different motivating factor.

However, Jesus’ death on the cross purchased for us not only eternal life, not only freedom from our sin and the consequences of that sin, not only a righteousness which allows us to stand before God, but also the freedom to serve others as He has called us to do. Martin Luther put it this way, “Who then can comprehend the riches and the glory of the Christian life. It can do all things and has all things and lacks nothing. It is lord over sin, death, and hell and yet at the same time it serves, ministers to, and benefits all men.”

Where is your focus? Can you see the need? Can you lend a hand? Will you? As you do so, remember:

1) It is always easier to serve in a grand scheme or to serve ‘someone’ other than those closest to you. Why? Because of our sinful desire for recognition and praise, we realize our actions are more likely to merit positive attention in ‘outside’ service.

2) Our heart attitude is just as important as our hand actions. In other words, we can serve for many reasons, but if our service is not done purely and simply out of a desire to please our Lord, we are NOT serving for the right reason.

God grant me a heart which seeks to serve You, first and foremost, purely and simply because I love You and wish to honor You in what I do.

1 Tim 2:12 - 15: “But I suffer not a woman to teach, nor to usurp authority over the man, but to be in silence. For Adam was first formed, then Eve. And Adam was not deceived, but the woman being deceived was in the transgression. Notwithstanding she shall be saved in childbearing, if they continue in faith and charity and holiness with sobriety.”

A feministic mindset has so infiltrated Christianity that many Christian women, women who desire to be pleasing to the Lord, consider the home-keeping role to a belittling and unimportant position. In other words, many women believe their skills and talents are wasted in the home.

How easily we buy the enemy’s lie. In reality, what could be more important than the next generation? Furthermore, if our children are a gift from the Lord, a stewardship He has placed in our care, why do we take so lightly the responsibility with which they come? Is it not because we think little of it? Is it not because we assume our primary role is to feed and clothe and provide for their physical well-being while it is the state’s role to teach their minds and the church’s role to train their hearts?

Why do we believe this to be true? Where in Scripture is this taught?

While I am not intending to provide in depth answers to all of these questions, I am convinced they are questions Christian mothers and fathers need to face squarely. Let me also preface this by saying I am NOT suggesting every woman who works outside of the home is sinning. The Proverbs 31 woman was obviously a very industrious woman who had her fingers in many pies.

However, lest we use that as an excuse to neglect our primary responsibility, let us remember her children rose up and called her blessed - an implication of her hands-on training and teaching of her children.

One of the reasons, maybe the primary reason, many Christian women are pulled into the workplace, is because we, as women, feel unfulfilled in the home. We feel as though we are not contributing significantly. We feel somehow left out or passed by or belittled by accepting a home-keeping role. Why is this?

It is imperative we remember our enemy, the Devil, poses as an angel of light. He is the father of lies. His whole intent and purpose is to make us believe good is bad and bad is good. In other words, he has accomplished his plan if he can make us replace the all-important role of training our children’s hearts and minds with the lesser important role of clothing their bodies and filling their bellies.

Ladies, if you are a mother, you have been given an extremely high calling. In fact, while your husband certainly plays a huge role in the outcome, you have been given the ultimate opportunity to shape those who will determine the direction of the next generation.

And so we turn to the verses in 1 Timothy where we started. What, exactly is this saying? Certainly, if we believe the overall Scriptural teaching of justification by faith in Christ alone, we realize the word ‘salvation’ in this text is not referring to redemption from our sins. What, then, does it mean?

I purposely included verse 12 in what I quoted because I believe it plays a ‘key’ role in understanding what Paul is saying. Verse 12 tells us a what a woman must not do. Obviously there is MUCH which could be said about this one verse. Much has been said. For this post, I will only say this does not mean women cannot teach - period - it means God has so designed the relationship between men and women and Himself that women are not to assume positions which place them in a position of ‘headship’ over men. Like it or not, this is what it says.

After making this statement, Paul seems to take on an ‘odd’ subject. He says women are saved in childbearing. What is the connection between verse 12 and the three verses which follow? Barnes says, “Rosenmuller regards the word rendered “child-bearing” as synonymous with education, and supposes that the meaning is, that a woman, by the proper training of her children, can obtain salvation as well as her husband, and that her appropriate duty is not public teaching, but the training of her family.”

Of course there are numerous interpretations for this verse, some wandering into what I would consider the questionable. However, this interpretation seems to flow nicely from Paul’s emphasis on the teaching a woman is not allowed to do into the teaching a woman is not only allowed to do but supposed to do.

Would we but reach the point, as women, where we again embrace the privilege we have been given. The men may teach adults, but as women, we have been given the opportunity and responsibility to form the hearts of the youth - to set the foundation upon which our society is formed. Is this not, then, the higher honor?

Are women ‘second class citizens’? Is this what Paul is saying when he uses words like ‘submit’ and ‘respect’? Is this what God intended by giving women equal access to His throne but not equal authority with all men?

A recent USA Today religion opinion article claims, “. . .in far too many religious contexts in this county, women remain second-class citizens.” Is this really true? I fear the answer is a resounding, ‘yes,’ in the minds of many American women.

Most American women, even many Christian women, have bought into our culture’s view of their place - their position. Current statistics show more women attend college than men. The wage gap, especially among younger women in the work force, has nearly disappeared. No door remains which is ‘closed’ to women. However, trying to achieve what our society terms ‘equal status,’ women have given up their ‘special status,’

What has this fight for ‘equal rights’ given women? They have moved from operating under the loving authority of their husband, to trying to function under the often dictatorial authority of an employer, a supervisor, or, worse yet, a group of people. Furthermore, while they remain under God’s authority, they are, essentially, blocking His blessings by their actions.

The two words which give Christian women the greatest trouble are: submit and respect. A closer look at Scripture shows a wife’s submission to her husband is only one of the forms of submission called for in the Bible. In each of the situations below, the Greek word used for ‘submit’ is the same!

The highest level of submission to which we are called (and any woman seeking ‘equal rights’ by the world’s definition is failing this) is to, as James tell us, “. . .submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you.” (4:7) Barnes comments on this verse by saying, “The duty here enjoined is that of entire acquiescence in the arrangements of God, whether in his providence or grace. All these are for our good, and submission to them is required by the spirit of true humility.” Thus we are commanded to submit to God.

Speaking to the ‘brethren’ (Christians) in Corinth, Paul says, “. . .you also submit to such, and to everyone who works and labors with us.” (1 Cor 16:16). The author of Hebrews also says, “Obey those who rule over you, and be submissive, for they watch out for your souls, as those who must give account. . .” (13:17) Thus we are commanded to submit to our Spiritual leaders. (While ‘submit’ is usually defined as obedience or subordination, in this usage the word suggests a kind and courteous demeanor.)

In another passage Paul, again speaking to Christians, says, “. . .submitting to one another in the fear of God.” (Eph 5:21). This appears to be extremely broad, and John Calvin supports this understanding. He says, “God has bound us so strongly to each other, that no man ought to endeavor to avoid subjection; and where love reigns, mutual services will be rendered. I do not except even kings and governors, whose very authority is held for the service of the community. It is highly proper that all should be exhorted to be subject to each other in their turn.” Thus we are commanded to submit to one another.

Both Paul and Peter speak of our submission to ruling authorities. Paul tells Titus to, “Remind them to be subject to rulers and authorities, to obey, to be ready for every good work,” (3:1). Peter, in his first epistle, tells us to, “. . .submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord’s sake, whether to the king as supreme, or to governors, as to those who are sent by him for the punishment of evildoers and for the praise of those who do good. For this is the will of God. . .” (1 Peter 2:13-15). He gives two powerful reasons for our obedience:

1) God’s glory (vs 12)

2) God’s will (vs 15)

Thus we are commanded to submit to the ruling authorities.

Peter further urges younger people to, “. . .submit yourselves to your elders. Yes, all of you be submissive to one another, and be clothed with humility, for “God resists the proud, But gives grace to the humble.”" (1 Peter 5:5) Thus younger people are to submit to their elders.

Twice Paul gives clear directives on the authority issue as it relates directly to family relationships. He tells children, “Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right.” (Eph 6:1) And again, Children, obey your parents in all things, for this is well pleasing to the Lord. (Col 3:20). The word translated, ‘obey’, in these verses is from the same root word as our word submit. In other words, children are commanded to submit to their parents’ authority.

Twice, also, the apostle Paul speaks to the relationship between bondservants and masters. In Eph 6:5 he says, “Bondservants, be obedient to those who are your masters according to the flesh, with fear and trembling, in sincerity of heart, as to Christ.” And again in Col 3:22 he says, “Bondservants, obey in all things your masters according to the flesh, not with eyeservice, as men–pleasers, but in sincerity of heart, fearing God.” The words ‘obey’ and ‘obedience’ are, not surprisingly, from the same root word as our word submit. Thus servants (or employees -since employees ‘serve’ someone else’s interests) are commanded to submit to their master’s (or employer’s) authority.

These verses makes it clear: young or old, bond or free, rich or poor, great or small - we are all under authority. So, back to our original issue. Wives, too, are called to submit. They are to submit to their husbands. Like the command to bondservants and to children, this directive is given twice by Paul. In Eph 5:22 we read, “Wives, submit to your own husbands, as to the Lord.” Again in Col 3:18 we are told, “Wives, submit to your own husbands, as is fitting in the Lord.” Thus wives, too, are clearly commanded to submit to someone’s authority - that of their own husbands.

Obviously the issue is not ‘submission’, per se. It is submission to a specific person. We have swallowed an idea of anonymity. Yet, Scripture makes it clear NONE of us are free from authority. Our own experience makes this obvious. So, what have we done? We have only switched our authority figure. In so doing, we have rebelled against God!

At the heart of the issue is our PRIDE. Pride always seeks to be anonymous. Pride always seeks the final word. Pride always rebels against authority. Paul put it this way, “Do you not know that to whom you present yourselves slaves to obey, you are that one’s slaves whom you obey, whether of sin leading to death, or of obedience leading to righteousness?” (Rom 6:16)

To put it in Bob Dylan’s ‘common’ vernacular, “You’re gonna have to serve somebody . .it may be the devil or it may be the Lord, but you’re gonna have to serve somebody.” As wives, we do not have an option. We are to submit to our husbands. If they love us as we would like, this makes our submission easier. However, even if they do not, we are still called to submit to their authority.

While we do not have an option, we do have a promise. 1 Peter 5:6 tells us, “Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time,” God WILL bless our humble submission to the authorities He has placed over us.

God grant us the grace to submit to Him by submitting to our husbands.