Introduction
Navigating relationships can be challenging, whether it’s with your spouse, children, or even your boss. This week’s sermon delved into the biblical principles of submission and love, drawing from Colossians 3:18-25 and Ephesians 5:21-28. These passages offer timeless wisdom on how to foster healthier, more Christ-centered relationships.
The Chaos Before the Calm
We often plan activities that are meant to be refreshing and beneficial, like a marriage retreat, only to find ourselves in chaos trying to get there. This was the case for our pastor and his family, who faced a hectic journey to drop off their kids before attending a marriage retreat. Despite the initial chaos, the retreat proved to be a rewarding experience, emphasizing the need for “preventative maintenance” in our relationships.
Preventative Maintenance in Relationships
Just as a car requires regular oil changes to run smoothly, our relationships also need regular care and attention. This concept of “preventative maintenance” applies to marriages, spiritual lives, and relationships with children, parents, and siblings. It’s easy to think that everything is “going all right,” but investing time and effort into these relationships can prevent future issues.
Mutual Submission: A Biblical Mandate
The sermon highlighted the importance of mutual submission, as outlined in Ephesians 5:21, “Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ.” This principle isn’t just for wives but for everyone. Submission, often seen as a dirty word in today’s culture, is about mutual respect and reverence for Christ. It’s about treating others as we would treat Jesus.
Wives and Submission
Colossians 3:18 and Ephesians 5:22 both address wives, urging them to submit to their husbands. This isn’t about subjugation but about willful submission out of reverence for Christ. The sermon emphasized that husbands shouldn’t enforce this submission but that wives should willingly choose it, recognizing the benefits it brings to the relationship.
Husbands and Love
Colossians 3:19 and Ephesians 5:25 instruct husbands to love their wives and not be harsh with them. Men often struggle with demonstrating love and gentleness, which is why these passages are so crucial. The sermon pointed out that men need to put away their pride and harshness, showing love and tenderness instead.
Children and Obedience
Colossians 3:20-21 addresses children, urging them to obey their parents, and fathers, instructing them not to embitter their children. The sermon emphasized the importance of tone, body language, and actions in communicating love and discipline. Harshness can discourage children, so parents need to balance discipline with love.
Employees and Employers
Colossians 3:22-24 speaks to slaves and masters, which can be applied to modern-day employees and employers. The principle is to work sincerely and with reverence for the Lord, not just to curry favor. This means treating your work and your boss as if you were serving Jesus Himself.
Life Application
The sermon challenges us to see Jesus in all our relationships. Whether it’s with our spouse, children, or coworkers, we are called to treat them with the same love and respect we would show Jesus. This week, take time to reflect on your relationships and ask yourself:
1. Am I practicing mutual submission in my relationships?
2. How can I demonstrate more love and tenderness, especially in moments of frustration?
3. Are my actions, tone, and body language reflecting Christ’s love to my children and others around me?
4. How can I serve my employer or employees with sincerity and reverence for the Lord?
Conclusion
Relationships are complex, but the Bible offers clear guidance on how to navigate them with love and respect. By practicing mutual submission, demonstrating love and tenderness, and treating others as if they were Jesus, we can foster healthier, more fulfilling relationships. This week, let’s invite the Holy Spirit to help us see Jesus in everyone we encounter and to treat them accordingly.