Be Subject to One Another out of Reverence for Christ

This meditation is based on a passage for January 20, 2011 in the Daily Lectionary Year 1 from the Book of Common Worship for the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) (1993).

Text: Ephesians 5:15-33

Reflection and Question: Paul gets very specific here about how to live in marriage. While Christians are to be subject to one another, only wives are to be subject to their husbands. Husbands are to love their wives “as Christ loved the church.” In the face of this ambiguity, what is most important to me is the equality suggested by the image of Christ as the spouse of the church. This is, for me, the source of our present understanding of marriage as between loving equals. How does being subject to another out of reverence for Christ fit with being equal partners in marriage?

Prayer: Spirit of the living God, guide us in this life so that we may make the most of our time. Inspire thanks in us at all time so that we may make melody in our hearts to God. May we follow the example of Christ in all our relationships. Amen.