Follow each other

…, submitting to one another in the fear of Christ.

Christian Standard Bible (Eph 5:21)

In 2009 I attended graduation at the United States Air Force Academy. After the ceremony the graduates rushed into the stands to mingle with their family and friends. After a few minutes the cadet who had invited me, suddenly snapped to attention, turned about face, and saluted the car of the Vice President of the United States as it was exiting the football field. 

I said to him, “You had your back to the field. How did you know the Vice President was leaving?” He said, “I didn’t. I just saw my classmates come to attention and salute facing the field, so I did the same thing. Following each other’s lead first and asking questions later is one of the first lessons we learn here.” 

God created us to serve and be served by each other as we honor God in the world around us. In submission to God we submit to one another. We show up as God’s people and cooperate in creative and redeeming works in our congregations and communities. This glorifies the power and wisdom of God’s love, grace, mercy, and faithfulness for all people revealed in Jesus Christ.

Like the cadets, we learn to follow each others lead. In this way we honor one another’s personal contribution to our shared purpose as humans made in God’s image. Without this depth of cooperation in mutual submission, humility, and love for one another, our proclamation of the Gospel of Jesus Christ is meaningless.