Joel M Bradshaw

1Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children. 2And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God….22Wives, submit to your own husbands, as to the Lord. 23For the husband is the head of the wife even as Christ is the head of the church, his body, and is himself its Savior. 24Now as the church submits to Christ, so also wives should submit in everything to their husbands. 25Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her–Ephesians 5

Submission might be the one word more controversial in some theological circles than predestination. Paul’s argument is a very simple one of a child imitating a parent. So in this who are you imitating?

1. WIVES IMITATE JESUS’ BRIDE, THE CHURCH. The church submits to her husband, Jesus, in everything. In doing so, it communicates love and sacrifice to God. Wives, therefore submit to their husbands in the same manner. Your submission to your husband is ultimately a submission to Jesus.
2. HUSBANDS IMITATE JESUS HIMSELF. Jesus gave himself up for his bride. Literally. He died a sacrificial death. Husbands are to lead with the same sacrificial attitude. The wife submits to a husband who in turn is submitting to Jesus. The husband’s role is selfless and sacrificial as he serves.

 I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. (Galatians 2:20)

As a husband, Ephesians 5:25 organizes my attitude every single day. My main accountability question with the older men in my life is am I loving my wife as Christ loved the church. I encourage all spouses to have such accountability. Women can ask each other about their attitudes and men theirs. It works really well that way. Both husbands and wives should live the attitude of Galatians 2:20. Submission should be the most natural thing rather than the most controversial. Who are you imitating?–JMB