Sound of Silence

Throughout history we’ve seen people who identify as Christians rallying together around their common hate towards a specific group of people. We’ve seen Christians define “other” groups of people in order to create division. We’ve routinely seen an “us” versus “them” mentality with Christians versus non-Christians. Christians have identified more with what they don’t do, who they aren’t, what they disagree with, or what group they aren’t a part of. They’ve been known more for what they are against than what they are for. This isn’t all Christians, but historically, we can point to cases where this is clearly displayed.  It is in our fallen, sinful nature that causes us to default to this kind of behavior. Rather than identifying with Christ, who he is, and who he made us to be, our identity becomes more about the world around us. We may believe that rallying around common hate towards an opinion, ideology, people group, or belief would bring unity, but hate can never bring unity. Christ is the only one who can bring true unity. While the enemy would try everything in his power to divide us, Christ unites us under one identity in him. He gifted us this new identity through his death on the cross on behalf of our brokenness. Now, the only way to achieve the unity that he calls us to is to give that same kind of sacrificial love to others. The minute we look at other groups of people with disgust is the minute we have forgotten how Christ could have done the same with us. We cannot comprehend the measure in which we have been forgiven. When we do start to comprehend, we will love sacrificially and welcome all kinds of people into unity under Christ. Reflection/Discussion Question: What groups of people or beliefs do you tend to take on an “us” versus “them” mentality?

Throughout Ephesians 5, we see the picture of Christ and the Church interwoven almost seamlessly through his description of marriage. This is because marriage is a picture of the relationship between Christ and the Church. And yet, even though we have redefined submission through taking a look at Christ’s submission, we can still read this passage and squirm at the ideas of wives submitted to their husbands and the husband being the head of the wife. But when we take a look at the parallels between husband and wife, Christ and the Church, we start to understand what this can look like in marriage. Christ doesn’t ask for blind submission from his Church. He doesn’t ask for our submission and then proceed to use us for his own selfish gain or to our detriment. Submission to Christ within the Church is something else entirely. Speaking in terms of a body, the head is what houses the brain and helps all parts of the body to function the way they were created to function—to the benefit of the whole body. With Christ as head of the Church, he gives us all identity and purpose to be used in the body to bring the kingdom of God here on earth. When we submit to Christ, we are submitting to a loving, gracious, kind, gentle Lord who desires that we would step into who we were created to be and live in our God-given purpose. Because of this, we are our best selves when we join the Church in submission to Christ. We know Christ’s love and grace most deeply when we join the Church in submission to Christ.  With this in mind, when Paul tells wives to submit to their husbands, he is inviting them to a submission where they get to be their best selves—where they will know love and grace most deeply. This is why the submission of wives to their husbands actually gives a much heavier weight to husbands. Ephesians 5:22-24, 33 talks to wives, but all of 5:22-33 talks to husbands. While wives are called to submit, husbands are called to love their wives in the same way Christ loved the Church and gave himself up to make her holy and blameless. That’s a radical and sacrificial kind of love. If wives are submitting to a husband who loves her like Christ loves the Church, then the wife will thrive in a loving, gentle, gracious, kind, patient, humble, joyful, peaceful environment. Reflection/Discussion Questions: If you are married, how could you take steps to submit to one another in this way? If you are not married, how could you take steps to join the church in submission to Christ as the head of the church?

I had to humble myself to ask for forgiveness from family for my attitude towards controversial issues.

Couple days ago I shared a burden regarding a root of bitterness hardening my heart toward my husband. I humbled myself and admitted I needed prayer to overcome it. I wasn’t even wanting to pray for him anymore I was so hurt. Last night while studying & praying the Lord showed me II Corinthians 5:18-20. As believers we are ambassadors of the ministry of reconciliation. This morning my husband was leaving for work and felt lightheaded. He has high blood pressure, heart issues & *not saved*. I told him to sit down and I’d pray. I felt led to apologize to him for my part in our marriage issues. Then I started praying and let it pour out of my spirit. Praying for his healing, comfort and SALVATION. He began to weep and I knew he felt the presence of the Holy Spirit. I continued praying silently, Holy Spirit help him, I heard him cry out for help, forgiveness and our marriage. My husband *gave his life to Jesus this morning*! Please pray for him. Forgiveness is powerful! Don’t let the enemy discourage you! Pray without ceasing.