God's commands are always good for us.

11-5-19
Today’s devotion is based on Ephesians 5:17-21. “Therefore, do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord's will is. Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit, speaking to one another with psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit. Sing and make music from your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ.

Saint Paul, under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, describes the Christian life. This life is God-pleasing. We agree with God’s words, except for the last sentence, “Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ.” That sentence chaffs us, for submitting is not a good thing in our culture. Submitting means that someone has authority over us, and that can’t be good.

We forget that the word “submit” as it is written in the Bible is not a forced submitting to another but a willing submission to another who, in turn, is willingly submitting themselves to you. This is God’s standard, one that we should all strive for, especially in marriage. Life would be much better and happier if we all lived as God wishes us to live.

Please pray with me the prayer for today: Heavenly Father, creator, and sustainer of all things, help us all to understand your command to submit to each other is good for us. You know how we rebel under that command, even though we know in our hearts that any command you give makes our life’s happier. Please, we beg you to forgive us when we sin. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.
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