Today's Reading: Ephesians 5:22-24

Ephesians 5:22 (ESV) "Wives, submit to your own husbands, as to the Lord."

Today's devotion is meant to encourage anyone facing typical frustrations within a healthy marriage. However, we know that 1 in 4 women report facing domestic violence or abuse. To get confidential, anonymous help or practical next steps to help a friend, call 1-800-799-7233 (-SAFE) or visit this website.

As we read through today's passage, which is only three short verses, our minds might try to reason away the commands of Paul. We might think things like: But you don't know my husband... or I'm not married, so this doesn't apply to me... or even, The way things were done years ago isn't relevant to today's modern society. Remember, all Scripture is for us, no matter our station in life. (2 Timothy 3:16) Let's agree we can come to today's verses with hearts ready to hear what God has to say!

Just for a moment, let's sweep our minds clean of what we think of submission. Submission is not old-fashioned or merely cultural. Submissiveness is a trait God wants both married and single women to possess. And, if you are married, it has nothing to do with your husband and what kind of man he is or isn't. Ultimately, submission is an active and brave step of obedience to God.

What if I told you Paul's teaching — inspired by the Holy Spirit, therefore God's very words to us — was for you, today? What if I said God desires for you to be a submissive woman because it gives Christ glory?

The shift in perspective is that we are submissive not to be exalted, but to exalt Christ. Submission isn't about letting others walk all over us at our expense and for their benefit. In today's passage, Paul shows us the value of biblical submission and how submission to others and Christ is different than the world's definition.

1. Submission is a purposeful act, not a passive attitude. It is a choice we make every day. That is why Paul said "in everything" we are to submit (Ephesians 5:24). Submission is not letting others run over us, but allowing others to help guide and advise us. It is about accepting the authority in our life and trusting God, through surrender, to work out the smaller details.

2. Submission produces a loving, balanced relationship. In the garden of Eden, God was clear as to which of the two, Adam or Eve, would "lead." That person was Adam. (Genesis 3:16) It is the same today: A husband does not have the right to dictate everything about his wife's life, but he does have the responsibility to lead in a way that benefits the relationship as a whole. Our job as wives is to submit.

3. Submission is the mature perspective for all wives. Although we might buck at the idea of submission, all Christians, no matter their place, time or position, can submit. As followers of Christ, we have been given the power of Christ to overcome, and that includes overcoming our own resistance to submit in even the most difficult of situations. Paul's commandment to submit is not just for wives, but it is directed to wives in this passage. (Ephesians 5:22) If you are a wife, you have a divine opportunity to be an example of the mature perspective as you learn to submit to your husband.

Can we trust our heavenly Father? If our Savior, King and Messiah came to be a servant, why should our lives look any different? Take heart, sister. God doesn't ask you to be a doormat but a glory-reflecting daughter of the Most High God.

Prayer: Loving Father, I strive to be like You in all I do. I want to walk in love like Christ. Let my heart shift to remember You hold all of this in Your hands. My life is hidden with You, so I am free to submit to those in my life. You placed them in my life, and You love me beyond comparison. As I submit to those in authority over me, I exalt You. In Jesus' name, amen.