You must pass through a circular roundabout to get in or out of my neighborhood. This roundabout can sometimes be tricky, especially if another car is approaching simultaneously. If not careful, both vehicles can go simultaneously, causing a potential accident. When approaching this roundabout, I’ve learned that it is best to yield when another car is coming. Not only have I found it effective, but there’s also a yellow YIELD sign staring right at you when approaching the roundabout. Submitting to one another is a lot like yielding at that moment. We can either plunge ahead, risking a potential accident and angering another, or carefully yield (submit) to one another and move forward with unity.

 

In his letter to the Ephesians, Paul encouraged them to live a Spirit-filled life, writing, “And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit… submitting to one another out of reverence for Christ” (Ephesians 5:18,21). Paul connects Spirit-filled living with humble submission to one another. When we allow the Holy Spirit to have His way in our lives, submission will result from the Spirit’s work, making us more aware of His signs to yield, similar to pulling up to a roundabout. This doesn’t imply being passive or a pushover, nor does it mean being domineering over someone, but instead, in Christ-like humility, working together to avoid an accident.

 

Today, prioritize allowing the Holy Spirit to live and lead through you in your submission to one another. If more believers applied this instruction (Eph. 5:18-21), the church would have fewer accidents and agitation. Rather than fighting to get our way or be “right,” we can complement one another’s roles and giftings and submit to one another in ways that bring glory to God and joy to His people.