Ephesians 5:21 "Be subject to one another out of reverence for Christ."

Comment:

Dear Friend,   The passage you are asking about is the final statement of a long thought which begins clearly and emphatically as follows: "Be subject to one another out of reverence for Christ" (Eph. 5:21). It goes on to compare the marital relationship to the relationship between Christ and the church, and concludes with verse 33:  "Let each one of you love his wife as himself, and let the wife see that she respects her husband."   We understand that every person is an eternal spiritual being, uniquely expressive of the Light and Love of God – the indwelling spiritual energy that is the Christ. No one has an innate authority over anyone else.  We come together – in relationships, in families, in communities – to support each other in our shared spiritual purpose of creating the new consciousness that is the kingdom of heaven. From this perspective, Paul's message becomes clearer. By reverencing the Christ in each other we allow our relationships to become fluid and flexible. We honor the unique spiritual identity of each individual. Sometimes I will support the Christ in you. Sometimes I will need you to support the Christ in me. No one is inherently in charge, and no one is innately subservient.   Blessings!

Rev. Ed