No matter how difficult or complicated a problem or a decision, the first course of action to be followed is that of Obedience to God (Phil. 2:12-13).
Indeed, Philippians 2:12-13 emphasizes the importance of obedience to God as our first course of action, even in the face of difficult or complicated problems or decisions. The passage states:
Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed—not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence—continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose.
These verses encourage believers to persist in their obedience to God, both in the presence of others and when no one else is watching. The phrase "work out your salvation with fear and trembling" suggests that we should take our relationship with God seriously and have a reverent awe for His authority and guidance.
Obedience to God should be our guiding principle in all situations, regardless of their difficulty or complexity. Here are a few reasons why obedience to God is crucial:
Trust in God's Wisdom:
Obedience demonstrates our trust in God's wisdom and understanding. It acknowledges that He knows what is best for us, even when circumstances seem difficult or confusing. By submitting to His guidance, we allow Him to direct our paths and provide solutions beyond our own understanding.
Alignment with God's Will:
Obedience ensures that our decisions and actions align with God's will and purposes. It acknowledges that God's plans are higher and more significant than our own. By seeking His guidance and obeying His commands, we position ourselves to participate in His redemptive work.
Dependence on God's Strength:
Obedience acknowledges our dependence on God's strength and grace. It recognizes that we cannot navigate challenges or make wise decisions in our own strength. As we yield to God and rely on His power, He equips us with the wisdom, discernment, and courage necessary to face difficult situations.
Protection from Harm:
Obedience safeguards us from the potential harm that disobedience can bring. When we choose to obey God, we avoid the negative consequences of sinful choices and align ourselves with His protective boundaries and principles.
Spiritual Growth:
Obedience fosters spiritual growth and maturity. It is through obedience that we develop a deeper relationship with God, experience His transformative work in our lives, and grow in conformity to the image of Christ.
While obedience to God may not always provide immediate solutions or remove all difficulties, it positions us to experience His guidance, provision, and peace in the midst of challenges. It enables us to navigate complex problems with a reliance on His wisdom and power.
Ultimately, obedience to God is a response to His love for us and the salvation we have received through Christ. It is a way of expressing our gratitude and surrendering our lives to His purposes. By making obedience to God our first course of action, we acknowledge His lordship, seek His will, and open ourselves up to experience His faithfulness and guidance in every aspect of our lives.
Obedience to God demands Obedience within family Relationships: subjection to one another out of reverence for Christ (Ephesians 5:12), the subjection of wife to the husband (Ephesians 5:22), the Obedience of Children to their parents (Ephesians 6:1-3).
The Bible indeed emphasizes obedience within family relationships. Ephesians 5:21-6:3 provides guidance on the subject.
Let's look at the specific verses you mentioned:
Subjection to One Another:
Ephesians 5:21 states, "Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ."
This verse sets the tone for mutual submission and humility within the family. It encourages all family members to consider the needs and interests of others and to willingly yield to one another in love.
Subjection of Wife to Husband:
Ephesians 5:22-24 instructs wives to submit to their husbands: "Wives, submit yourselves to your own husbands as you do to the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife as Christ is the head of the church... Now as the church submits to Christ, so also wives should submit to their husbands in everything.
This passage calls wives to voluntarily place themselves under the leadership and authority of their husbands, just as the church submits to Christ. It is important to note that this submission is not about inferiority or oppression but rather about recognizing the God-ordained order and role within marriage.
Obedience of Children to Parents:
Ephesians 6:1-3 addresses the obedience of children to their parents: "Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. 'Honor your father and mother'—which is the first commandment with a promise—'so that it may go well with you and that you may enjoy long life on the earth.'
Children are instructed to obey and honor their parents, recognizing the authority and wisdom they possess. This obedience is not limited to situations where the parents are perfect or infallible, but rather it is a general attitude of respect, submission, and willingness to follow their guidance.
It is important to note that these instructions on family relationships are situated within the broader context of Ephesians, which emphasizes the love, sacrifice, and unity that should characterize the relationships within the family.
Here are a few key points to consider regarding obedience within family relationships:
Mutual Submission:
The call to submission is not one-sided. Both husbands and wives are called to mutual submission, considering each other's needs and seeking to serve one another in love.
Christ as the Example:
The instructions for wives to submit to their husbands and for children to obey their parents are grounded in the example of Christ's sacrificial love and obedience to the Father. The ultimate model for obedience is found in Jesus Himself.
Love and Respect:
Obedience within family relationships should be accompanied by love, respect, and honor. Husbands are called to love their wives sacrificially, and parents are encouraged not to provoke their children but to bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord (Ephesians 6:4).
Healthy Boundaries:
Obedience does not mean blindly following or enabling harmful behavior. It is important to recognize that obedience within family relationships should be within the framework of biblical values, promoting love, justice, and well-being.
Grace and Forgiveness:
Family relationships can be complex, and there may be instances where obedience is challenging or strained. In such situations, grace, forgiveness, and communication are vital in seeking resolution and restoration.
It is essential to approach these instructions with a balanced understanding, recognizing the overarching principles of love, respect, and mutual submission within the family. Obedience within family relationships, when practiced in a healthy and God-honoring manner, contributes to the well-being and harmony of the family unit.
