Submission to Peers
Discipleship S.T.E.P.S.: Practice
Scripture: Submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of God. – Ephesians 5:21 (KJV)
Mutual submission is a revolutionary concept in a world that prizes self-assertion and individualism. To ‘submit’ in the fear of God means to recognize that your brother or sister is a temple of the Holy Spirit, deserving of your honor, listening ear, and humility. This does not mean compromising on truth, but it does mean setting aside the ‘right to be right’ in favor of the ‘call to be loving.’ It is a practical application of the fear of God—when we reverence Him, we cannot help but respect His image in those around us.
How are you interacting with your Christian community today? Are you quick to listen and slow to assert your own opinion? True submission is the glue of the body of Christ. It bridges gaps and heals fractures in fellowship. By choosing to honor others above yourself, you are actively participating in the Kingdom’s culture of grace and reflecting the very humility that Christ demonstrated toward His own disciples.
Prompt: Does your daily interaction with fellow believers reflect a heart of mutual submission and deep respect for God?
Action Step: The Practice of Christian community requires us to lay down our pride and willingly submit to the wisdom and needs of our peers.
Next Step: Actively listen to a peer’s advice today without trying to prove you are right.