Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ. — Ephesians 5:21
On the surface, this seems to put us in a position of weakness. But we must connect this instruction with the whole book of Ephesians. This is not a sign of weakness; it is a sign of strength.
I’m not a big Star Trek fan, but I do remember one episode where the Klingons took over a planet and the Federation was troubled because the planet’s inhabitants were so willing to be bullied by their new taskmasters. What Captain Kirk didn’t know was that the planet’s inhabitants were far smarter and far stronger than all the Klingons and the Federation people put together. For them, submitting to the Klingon rule was a matter of little consequence. They knew who they were. And when their strength and their intelligence was needed, it was there and they used it.
From the point of view of a moral compass, the episode had its faults. But I will draw this from it: When we know who we are, submitting is not that hard.
Why? Because inside we have a great well of confidence that Jesus is here, that He is in charge, and that He knows what to do even when human leadership does not. We know that no one can bully God or manipulate Him into giving up His eternal plans. We know that everything of consequence will go our way because God is for us.
Submission, then, acknowledges God’s power and ingenuity. We don’t need to always be in charge because God is. And we can let it rest with Him.
Be encouraged!
Dwight
Dwight Clough is the author of four Christian books and is an active member of Lake City Church in Madison. This devotional is also available via email and you may review the archives back to 2002. To contact Dwight or Kim, use their contact form. You may also support their ministry.