Word@Work Eph66 - Ephesians 5:21
Published: Tue, 01/06/09
Word@Work from BeaconLight
TEAMWORK
Ephesians 5:21 Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ. (NIV)
Western business practice may have travelled a long way from the days of bosses being segregated from the workers; but however flat the management model, there are some people who are on top of the pile, and others inevitably underneath. It may have nothing to do with the organisational style, and is usually more about the personalities who will not submit to others. Paradoxically, the job may actually get done better and faster with clear direction (as long as everybody is happy to accept it). Some people are natural leaders and others work best when they follow others. But at the end of the task, the thing that holds any military unit or professional practice together (and makes everybody eager for the next assignment), is harmony in relationships.
As in any football or rugby game: every marriage, family and church are intended to operate as a team. Even the celebrity striker will choose to give way to the goalie, and the fly half steps aside for prop forwards. The most zealous manager on the bench has to give the operational 'say so' to the captain on the pitch. These are highly disciplined people, but they know how to submit to each other. That is the secret of a godly marriage and sanctified church. It is not the bullying deacon or outrageous husband who sets the team for consistent success but those who are willing to place themselves and their gifting at the disposal of the others in the church or family; recognising that others have their special place too.
This verse is the curtain raiser for Paul's discussion about marriage and the church, and will be followed by instructions for child rearing and employment relationships too. Its principle of putting self in second place was first violated in the Garden of Eden by Eve and Adam, and then by Cain when he murdered Abel. But it was Jesus who demonstrated that He would submit to the Father's will (and to the needs of sinful human beings), and urged His disciples to do the same. Strangely, the place where the submissive heart is most easily seen is at work, in willing and cheerful submissive teamwork: but the place where it has to count is in the home. However, the marriage that works under the 'Jesus rules' of mutual submission, will also bring enrichment to any workplace.
Prayer: Dear Lord Jesus. Thank You for being willing to submit Yourself to the Father's will and my deep need of salvation. Help me to learn how to submit to others around me at home and church and work, and so demonstrate the love that You have for me. For Your Name's sake, Amen.
You can read the verses around this Bible passage from the Internet Bible: - in English, and Spanish
Western business practice may have travelled a long way from the days of bosses being segregated from the workers; but however flat the management model, there are some people who are on top of the pile, and others inevitably underneath. It may have nothing to do with the organisational style, and is usually more about the personalities who will not submit to others. Paradoxically, the job may actually get done better and faster with clear direction (as long as everybody is happy to accept it). Some people are natural leaders and others work best when they follow others. But at the end of the task, the thing that holds any military unit or professional practice together (and makes everybody eager for the next assignment), is harmony in relationships.
As in any football or rugby game: every marriage, family and church are intended to operate as a team. Even the celebrity striker will choose to give way to the goalie, and the fly half steps aside for prop forwards. The most zealous manager on the bench has to give the operational 'say so' to the captain on the pitch. These are highly disciplined people, but they know how to submit to each other. That is the secret of a godly marriage and sanctified church. It is not the bullying deacon or outrageous husband who sets the team for consistent success but those who are willing to place themselves and their gifting at the disposal of the others in the church or family; recognising that others have their special place too.
This verse is the curtain raiser for Paul's discussion about marriage and the church, and will be followed by instructions for child rearing and employment relationships too. Its principle of putting self in second place was first violated in the Garden of Eden by Eve and Adam, and then by Cain when he murdered Abel. But it was Jesus who demonstrated that He would submit to the Father's will (and to the needs of sinful human beings), and urged His disciples to do the same. Strangely, the place where the submissive heart is most easily seen is at work, in willing and cheerful submissive teamwork: but the place where it has to count is in the home. However, the marriage that works under the 'Jesus rules' of mutual submission, will also bring enrichment to any workplace.
Prayer: Dear Lord Jesus. Thank You for being willing to submit Yourself to the Father's will and my deep need of salvation. Help me to learn how to submit to others around me at home and church and work, and so demonstrate the love that You have for me. For Your Name's sake, Amen.
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