Friday, August 17, 2007

Basic Relational Training

“…submitting to one another in the fear of Christ.” (Ephesians 5:21 CSB)

The words of this verse are part of a hymn that begins in verse 19 and talks about the fellowship of believers as led by the Holy Spirit. There are three admonitions in this hymn: 1) speaking to one another in psalms, hymns, spiritual songs, and singing, 2) giving thanks to God always, 3) submitting to one another out of reverence and respect for Christ. These admonitions carry over into the next verses which deal with a practical application in a family setting.

Again, there are some admonitions related to the family setting: 1) husbands, love your wives in the same way that Christ loved the church, 2) wives, submit to your husbands, 3) children, obey your parents in the Lord, 4) fathers, instruct your children in the training and instruction of the Lord, 5) workers (slaves), respect your employer (master), and 6) employers (masters), treat your workers fairly and well and with dignity.

These admonitions boil down to at least two applications for relational settings in the family and at work.

First, the only authority that is absolute is God Himself. Husbands, fathers, and employers tend to think that they have absolute authority, but they must remember that they, too, have a Master, and that any authority they have is derived from God. What they really are is a servant leader, not authoritative dictators. They are placed in their role by God to serve Him and His purposes. That leaves no room for pride or arrogance.

Second, the fundamental relational concept involves humility, love, respect, and integrity. These are to be practiced mutually by all, regardless of role. Clearly, there is structure and order in relational settings, and there are roles given to each; but these are built on the foundations of humility, love, respect, and integrity. When we all practice these, it is amazing how well relationships work.

Lord, Help us to practice humility, love, respect, and integrity in all of our relationships this day. Amen.

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