Serving the High Plains
Serving the High Plains
In the Bible book of Ephesians, the apostle famously (or infamously, depending on your outlook) tells wives to submit to their husbands (5:22-24). That instruction would not have shocked any resident of the first century Middle East. But what Paul says next would have, or should have.
He goes on to explain how a husband should love his wife, which, on the surface, is not terribly shocking. But he paints a word picture to illustrate his instruction, and if we read it right, we’ll see that it’s a picture of – brace yourself – submission.
Of course, one reason this surprises us is that we’ve been taught that the word “submit” is a synonym for unquestioning obedience. But, as I’ve tried to point out before, the Greek language (in which Paul wrote) is fully capable of distinguishing the two concepts. When “obey” is what is meant, that’s what it says. When it talks about submitting, that’s a different thing.
The Greek word for “submit” in Ephesians 5 means something like, “Have a cheerful willingness to be a servant.” “Obey” means do what you’re told. The wife here is told the former, not the latter. Biblical submission leaves room, and responsibility, for the serving one to judge the request one is given, to determine whether it is good or evil, and then refuse to do what isn’t right.
This applies to every New Testament use of the word. We’re told to submit to governing authorities, and to leaders in the church. This never means blind obedience, though. In addition, the authorities we’re told to submit to are never given any right to force our obedience if they’re not happy with our submission. Submission is a purely voluntary decision.
The whole Ephesians discussion about husbands and wives is prefaced by the idea that all believers should submit to one another. This doesn’t mean we all have the right to expect each other to obey our orders. It means we should cultivate a cheerful willingness to serve each other.
Back to Paul’s somewhat shocking word picture. The image is of Jesus lowering himself, emptying himself, giving up his own rights, giving up his life, for the sake of giving his church what she needs. Jesus also demonstrated this concept the night before his arrest, when he clothed himself like a slave, and did the foot-washing service of a lowly household servant, for his disciples. He was their Lord. He could’ve simply commanded them. But, he cheerfully lowered himself and became their servant.
Anyone who claims to follow Jesus will be led into service, not a command position.
How would it transform our marriages if both husbands and wives followed the Ephesians instruction, and looked at each other as the worthy recipients of our cheerful service? What if, instead of marriage being a contest to see who can get their way, there was a mutual desire to see the other one lifted up?
If you’ve already messed this up (and most of us have, at some point) I would be willing to talk with you about it, and help as I can. In addition, there is a volunteer organization in the area called the Quay County Health Council, staffed by cheerful servants, which has helpful information and practical resources for you. Find their Facebook page or call them at (575) 461-3506.
Gordan Runyan is the pastor of Immanuel Baptist Church in Tucumcari. Contact him at: