…and be subject to one another in the fear of Christ.

Ephesians 5:21

Today’s verse is important but may seem a little anticlimactic given everything else that we have seen in this portion of Ephesians 5. So my comments will be brief. Paul is reminding us to “be subject to one another.” This entails a couple of things. It means that we are to take care of one another and to encourage each other in the faith. It means that the interests of others should be prioritized over our own, making sure that we view others as more important than ourselves (Philippians 2:3-4). But it also means that we are accountable to each other in Christ. We don’t go out into the world and point our finger at everyone but we do hold each other, as believers, accountable. We tend to push back against this instruction from God’s Word largely because we live in a world that marches to the beat of “it’s my life, I’ll do whatever I want.”

But Christians, should remain accountable to one another. In love, respect, and kindness, we can challenge each other and even offer correction when it is needed. Of course, we need to pray for wisdom (James 1:5-8) and use extreme discernment when embarking on this kind of activity but “being subject to one another” should be a normal and regular part of our mindset. And for those who are more mature, correction is welcomed if it is necessary to avoid making decisions that would be contrary to God’s will for us. Being subject to one another in the fear of Christ may sound dull but is vital in the life of a highly effective and healthy Christian!

Take some time to review everything that we have been covering in this portion of Ephesians 5. Below are the two halves of scripture that we have covered. Take some time to study each verse in the context of the whole. May God bless you as you seek to please Him in all respects in your life!

Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience. Therefore do not be partakers with them; for you were formerly darkness, but now you are Light in the Lord; walk as children of Light (for the fruit of the Light consists in all goodness and righteousness and truth), trying to learn what is pleasing to the Lord. Do not participate in the unfruitful deeds of darkness, but instead even expose them; for it is disgraceful even to speak of the things which are done by them in secret. But all things become visible when they are exposed by the light, for everything that becomes visible is light.

Ephesians 5:6-13

For this reason it says, “Awake, sleeper, and arise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.” Therefore be careful how you walk, not as unwise men but as wise, making the most of your time, because the days are evil. So then do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is. And do not get drunk with wine, for that is dissipation, but be filled with the Spirit, speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody with your heart to the Lord; always giving thanks for all things in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ to God, even the Father; and be subject to one another in the fear of Christ.

        Ephesians 5:14-21