March 2020

Gò0dNews for Men

Submitting To One Another In Love

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by Paul McGuire

od made man and woman different. He gave

us as couples, Paul noted, “Husbands, love your wives as

us different roles and strengths, abilities and

Christ loved the Church and gave Himself for her…wives,

responsibilities. Ever since the fall of Man,

see that you respect your husbands.” In our bodies, when

however, there has been a battle for superiority. By God’s

the various parts don’t function as God designed, we have

design, the man was assigned the role of headship. This

great difficulty living! But when everything is functioning

headship has been misinterpreted as “dominance” by

as designed, we are considered healthy. And in our families,

both genders. We might say that the husband’s role is one

this health comes by practicing mutual submission.

of “pivotal” responsibility: he is responsible both to God and for his family. By this design, the wife and children gain protection and safety. Submission both to God and to each other makes His plan work. Submission to God’s plans, however, is the oldest battle known to Man! When sin rears its ugly head, each gender vies for dominance. But the role of headship is certainly not one of dominance and not always one of leadership. Leadership will shift between a husband and wife wherever one may express a greater ability. God looks to the husband to take responsibility for his wife and children, not to be the leader in every area of life. In my

So, Sweethearts, let’s seek to work out God’s design of

family, for example, my wife exhibits the spiritual gift of

mutual submission to each other. “And further, submit to

administration and is the better organizer. Each of us will be

one another out of reference for Christ.” Honor, respect,

better at one thing than the other. And by mutual honoring

and treasure your mate. Work together. In God’s plan for

of that different gifting we exhibit and by “submitting to one

us, there is never any need for domineering. God’s design

another in Love,” we can come to operate like a proverbial

is best.

“well-oiled machine.” The Apostle Paul compared the Body of Christ to a

(Please read the Apostle Paul’s thoughts in Ephesians 5:21-30).

human body, “having many parts.” And so it is with our out how each limb and organ has its specific task and is not able perform the function of a different part of the body. For

12 // March 2020

About The Author

families: specifically, the husband and wife. He pointed Paul McGuire has been born again for almost 60 years, and has pursued to hear God’s Voice through all those years. He and his wife Teresa of 45+ years are active at Living Word Church in Cleveland, Tennessee. They have two children and four-and-counting grandchildren.