The Christian's Lifestyle: Relationships

It starts with the definition of Christian: A real disciple of Christ; one who believes in the truth of the Christian religion, and studies to follow the example, and obey the precepts, of Christ; a believer in Christ who is characterized by real piety.

Ephesians 5:21 “Submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of God.”

Continuing through this small Bible Study on Christian Living, the next lesson was on Christian relationships. It states that our calling is to walk worthy. Our gifts are perfect and complete. Our behavior is changed by the new man. Our wisdom is to understand the will of the Lord. Our control is being filled with the Spirit. Ephesians 5:22 through 6:9 presents a basic primer on human relationships in dynamics that impact most of our lives, our families, and our places of employment. Our relationships are to be carried out by submitting ourselves to one another in the fear of God. That key word submitting (“hupotasso”) is itself instructive. It is a compound of the preposition “under” and a word that means to arrange in order; thus, to arrange under, in order.

In the home, the submission (order, arrangement) is compared to the Lord’s house, the church. Wives are to be arranged under the husband (emphasis on authority) just as the church is under the authority of Jesus Christ (Ephesians 5:22-24). Husbands are to be under the responsibility of love (emphasis on sacrifice) just as Christ gave His life on behalf of and for the benefit of the church (Ephesians 5:25-33). Children are to be under the arranged order of correct behavior (emphasis on obedience) just as the fifth commandment so requires for the protection and promotion of well-being and longevity (Ephesians 6:1-4).

Romans 12:18 “If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men.”

In the workplace, those who serve are to serve as though they were serving the Lord, not men (Ephesians 6:5-8). Those who lead and own are to relate to their employees and workers as though they were serving the servants, recognizing that one Master (God) is Lord over all (Ephesians 6:9). These instructions are really quite simple. We do not need to complicate them. You are the light of the world; shine in Christian relationship.

Matthew 5:16 “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.”