God has provided stability in human civilization primarily through three institutions: marriage, family, and work. All three are defined by relationships: husband and wife, parents and children, employer and employee. In Ephesians 5:21-6:9, the Bible teaches how we are to live within these God-ordained institutions.

Two principles are found in Ephesians 5:21, "Submit to one another out of reverence to Christ." The first principle is mutual submission. The word 'submit' is from a Greek military term which carries the idea of the greater good being served by putting others first. By mutual submission the greater good of the Kingdom is served as we put the needs of others before our own.

The second principle is that we submit to each other out of reverence for Christ. He humbly sacrificed Himself for our salvation by submitting to the death of the cross. His life and his death are a profound example of sacrificial service to others.

Therefore, a husband and wife are to mutually submit to one another in reverence to Christ. The husband is responsible before Christ to serve his wife as spiritual leader. He is to love her as Christ loved the Church. Being the 'head' of his wife does not make him the boss, it makes him responsible for her welfare, as Christ is for the Church. The wife is responsible before Christ to follow her husband's leadership and respect him. So, they both serve each other, just in different ways.

Children are to submit to their parents. This requires obedience, as parents are the God-ordained authority over their children. For their part, parents are to be respectful of their children's feelings. They are not to antagonize their children, but to discipline them in love.

The employer/employee relationship is described in the Bible as master/slave. The context here is in relation to our responsibilities, not the ethical question of slavery. As such, it applies directly to the employer/employee relationship today. Employers are to be fair and ethical as a testimony to Christ. Employees are to work hard as if working directly for the Lord.

God has provided the societal order that we need to live peaceful, productive lives. But, the Biblical concepts of marriage, family, and a godly work ethic are being dramatically undermined in American culture today. We need to strengthen and protect them, as we honor Christ and follow His example of service to others.     Pastor Daniel Rhodes