Submitting to one another in the fear of Christ. —Ephesians 5:21
Volleyball has always been one of my favorite team sports. I have many happy memories of playing the game at summer camp and family reunions. I like volleyball because it is a team sport, an activity where we can help one another win the game. When the ball comes to me, I can set it to someone else who then can set it to you for the winning spike.
Although I also enjoyed tennis—playing and watching—this is a different sport. When the ball comes to me, I am the only one who can smash it back. Even doubles tennis didn’t allow for any sharing. Imagine how fun it would be if, in tennis doubles, I could lob the ball to you, my playing partner, and you could crush it down our opponents’ throats?
“[Submit] to one another in the fear of Christ” (v. 21), Paul told the Christians in Ephesus. If he had access to the two sports, the apostle might have said it this way: “Marriage is not singles tennis. It’s not even doubles tennis. Marriage is volleyball.” And one more thing he would have said: “You and your family are on the same volleyball team.” Wives, respect your husbands as they lead. Husbands, love and serve your wives. In fact, be willing to give your lives for them. Children, obey your parents.
Isn’t this a great picture? Challenges, circumstances, or opportunities come flying across the net. Someone takes the initial hit. This may come at some level of personal sacrifice, especially if the ball comes over the net as a result of the opponent’s vicious spike. Diving on the ground to save the ball or taking the shot in the face is part of this game.
But good volleyball players save the ball to someone on their own team. The second team member is the stable one; he or she takes the save from the first player, and then directs the ball to the best person to win the point. Their watchful eye, dedication to the team’s strategy, and accuracy in putting the ball in the right spot for the spiker ensure a point for the good guys—the home team.
Over the centuries, people—insecure men especially—have taken five singly select- ed words from today’s text and used them to beat their own inflated chests: “Wives, submit to your husbands” (v. 22). Some of them have made noises reminiscent of Tarzan. This is neither a pretty sight, nor is it biblical. Men who have done this have perpetuated a vicious lie.
Of course, every team has individuals who are willing to assume strategic roles. Someone creates the strategy, someone executes the plays, someone records the statistics, and someone drives the bus to the match. God’s plan is for dads to keep an eye on the entire family, making certain each assistant coach, player, and bus driver are thoroughly trained, adequately supervised, and tenaciously motivated. But his job is to be a servant leader, to share, to participate, and to give his life for the whole team.
Good dads do not have tennis racquets in their hands; they are playing a different game. Get ready, here comes the volleyball right now. It’s really moving, and it’s headed right for you. You can do this.
If I were a betting man, I’d put my money on your team.