Ephesians 6:9 (NASB 95)
9 And masters, do the same things to them, and give up threatening, knowing that both their Master and yours is in heaven, and there is no partiality with Him.
Examine / Explain
The commentary I read about this verse puts it in the modern context of a job supervisor and a subordinate. Which is understandable but I see this is a matter of heart to submission. We are all in submission to someone, even our highest-ranking leaders. Be it slave to master, master to governing authorities, wife to husband, or husband to God the only end that does not submit is God. And with Him, there is no partiality except a believer and non-believer. Even then non-believers fall under His submission.
What’s the application?
Submission doesn’t feel like submission until you’re submitting. I believe we all have some form of rebelliousness to authority. Even someone like me who likes rules and boundaries, until I disagree with them. Then I know better. You can’t control me. Are we in submission or not? How do I treat the authorities in my life? Respectful? Dismissive? Rude? That ranges from bosses, pastors, police, and political governing authorities. How about me as a leader? Do I make decisions as a leader that are impartial and with the understanding I have to answer up for what I say and do? Do I lead as a servant? Do I keep humility as a supervising role?
27 and whoever wishes to be first among you shall be your slave; 28 just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.”
Matthew 20:27–28 (NASB 95)
Jesus tells us to lead from second place. From a heart of servanthood. So where is my heart? Do I follow the broken model of “looking out for number one?” Do I strive to lift others up? How can I help them get ahead even if it means I stay where I am? Doesn’t that mean I don’t trust Him if I always try to get ahead? Doesn’t it mean I question His power, position, and prominence if I am self-reliant and must have all the answers while “making it” in this world? That’s not submission. That’s pride.
What’s my response?
Dad, my best day of selflessness is still no measure of complete servanthood. Because even at my best of selflessness I can hold to the thoughts of “look how good I am” or “they will love me because I’ve done this for them.” Where do I find my identity? In the result of serving or You? Which the result of my identity is serving others. How quickly we can flip our motives. How fast we can claim we are doing work “in the name of the LORD” but are far from Him. Bible verses get contoured, thoughts go unchecked, and leaders twist outcomes for their benefit. Keep me humble and in a community of men who strive to know and understand You. Let us hold each other accountable to Your word and the unity of the Spirit. Guide the leaders I am in submission to be leaders that serve You. That they would strive to complete You will and not their own. Help me submit well. Help me serve well. All in Your name, Amen.
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