HILLSIDE HELPS-“Submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of God.” (Eph. 5:21) In our world, there is so much division and conflict. Each day we hear more details about needless killing and violence that is spread from continent to continent and shore to shore. One thing that drives violence is the absence of authority. When leaders are compromising and weak, so will the followers. If leaders are self –centered and driven by pride, so it goes with the followers. If leaders are ignorant and confused in not knowing what to do or why to do it, the same pattern will filter down in society. God has called His church out of the world and out of self-centeredness to surrender and service for Him as well as others. Every Christian is one in Christ. There are no Christians inferior or superior, for all “in Christ” are there because of the mercy and grace of God. All the saints of God came through Jesus. He is the only way, the only truth, and the only life. There is no other Savior and Lord. So then, when anyone comes to Christ, no matter their nationality, race, or gender, they join all others in equality. “There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all ONE IN CHRIST JESUS.” (Galatians 3:28) God has made us ONE. How then should we respond to other true born again Christians? We are to “submit ourselves one to another”. Unity comes to homes, marriages, and churches when all parties recognize that there is no un-level ground beneath the cross of Jesus or in the family of God. Troubles come when the people of God sin by viewing themselves as better than others. Families and churches are at war with one another when the “elevated saints” look down on the “not-so-elevated saints.” It is no wonder the world is in such a mess that is if they have been paying attention to and following the example of some homes and churches. The principle of mutual submission recognizes the respect for others. When we submit ourselves together in the fear of God, we show the world the shining example of unity and harmony. It becomes a great challenge for the stronger to yield and submit; giving respect for the weaker, but this is exactly what Christ wants in His Body, the church. We are not all at the same level of commitment or maturity, but we are still all ONE. Today, I pray for unity in the Body of Christ. I also, choose to not elevate myself or think more highly of myself, but rather “submit to God”. It is only when we truly give up ourselves in respect for other believers, do we begin to have the joy of the Lord. Just as we yield ourselves to the Lord, we ought to also yield ourselves one to another. Our home, church, and world will be a better place because of this. (Bro. Jerry McNeer) PLEASE SHARE
Posted on: Sun, 01 Sep 2013 13:32:03 +0000