But I want you to realize that the head of every man is Christ, and the head of the woman is the man, and the head of Christ is God. (1 Corinthians 11:3)
This verse might seem a little questionable to some. It's easy to read through it and it looks like what Paul is saying is that the man is greater than the woman. I believe that one of the things you have to look at is the idea of submission.
Submission is a key element in the smooth functioning of any business, government, family, or relationship. God ordained submission to prevent chaos. Imagine if we didn't submit to others. We would never be able to make decisions about anything and we would all think that we are better than one another. That is chaos.
I believe that some people view submission as surrender, withdrawal, or apathy. Submitting to someone never means that you are the inferiority, because God created all people in his image and because all have equal value. Submission is mutual commitment and cooperation.
The previous two summers I had spent a couple weeks in China. When we would have large dinners after our basketball games the opposing teams would eat with us, along with all of the individuals who were responsible for putting the games on. The individuals who put the games on would always come to our tables and offer a toast. We would raise our glasses and toast to the Chinese. We were taught to put our glass lower than theirs because it was showing them that we thought of them above ourselves. It would always turn into a competition every time we toasted because the Chinese men always thought we were greater than them.
God calls us to have submission among equals. He did not make the man superior; he made a way for the man and woman to work together. Jesus Christ, although qual with God the Father, submitted to him to carry out the plan for salvation.
Likewise, although equal to man under God, the wife should submit to her husband for the sake of their marriage and family. I believe that this can go both ways. My wide someday will be right about something and I will be wrong. The will most likely happen a lot! But I need to respect and listen to what she has to sat as much as she is going to respect and listen to what I have to say.
Submission between quals is submission by choice, not be force. We serve God in these relationships by willingly submitting to others in our church, to your spouses, and to our leaders.
I challenge you to submit yourself to others in order to prevent chaos. Next time you disagree with somebody, remember this post. Next time you have a hard time making a decision, remember this post. My prayer is that this post applies to so many things. I hope it really encourages you to mutual commit yourselves to each other.
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