What hills do I die on?

Ephesians 5:19–21 (NASB 95)

19 speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody with your heart to the Lord; 20 always giving thanks for all things in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ to God, even the Father; 21 and be subject to one another in the fear of Christ.

Examine / Explain

Paul has continued to give us as imitators of God as children of light, a mental state of being on guard. Our living sacrifice is to abstain from immorality, not to be deceived, not to partake in darkness, to wake up, and to let the light of Christ shine on us. We are to be careful how we walk and now, how we interact with one another. There should be a joy in our hearts that overflows as psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs as a melody of our hearts. Giving thanks and a reverent fear of God as we subject ourselves to one another.

What’s the application?

Does our pride allow us to be subject to one another? How many men declare that “no one is going to tell me what to do?” I’ve been there. Ashamedly I admit it recently, in ministry. Are we truly in submission to those over us? Not that I even asked the authority but I have a rebellious spirit when it comes to authority over my life. I know God has given me purpose and assignment but when does the assignment trump those who have authority over me? Who has authority over me? If I am a member of a local church I am subject to the authority of that local church. And even when I disagree with some of the processes I am still subject to them. And I should have a heart of thankfulness in submitting to those authorities. If my heart becomes full of bitterness how do I serve God? Is it possible to speak to one another in psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs if my heart is full of bitterness? Can my heart make melodies to the Lord from a root of bitterness? That bitterness will grow and infect other areas of my heart, even if it is directed specifically. What about being subject to my brothers in Christ? Have I allowed them to speak into my life in a way that can rebuke me? Do I allow them to encourage me? Do I follow the correction that they offer? We are mirrors of Christ to one another. And when my brother can see a dirty spot on my mirror I have to allow them to point it out and help me clean it. If I am living a life that is investing in one, I have my three, I’m part of twelve, and I’m reaching out to the seventy-two then three and twelve should have the relation equity and know my life enough to call me out when I’m not reflecting Christ well.

What’s my response?

Dad, how’s my submission? I think it’s terrible. I know we are harder on ourselves than others might be on us, but like other men, I have a problem with authority. We want to be rulers and kings of our domains. We don’t like being told what to do or when to do it. I’ve never been one for the military but I know that soldiers are broken to the point that they do what they are told, when they are told, even to the point of death. As a believer, this is the life I should be living. I am to obey the leading of the Spirit, actions should be immediate and could lead to death. Does it mean that when I submit to my human authority that it is always going to be right? No, but I also need to look at their reflection of Christ. Does their direction or guidance counter what Christ has called us to be? If not, I need to follow. God blesses and His kingdom still advances even when we fail at leading in it. What hills do I die on? The one that has a cross on it because my savior is there too. Amen.