Be subordinate to one another out of reverence for Christ.
Saint Paul introduced his reflection on marriage with an extraordinary remark about subordination. Regardless of how one responds to his teaching about marriage, this preliminary sentence bears reflection.
Samuel Johnson, known for creating the first English dictionary, and for his biography written by James Boswell, often met and entertained young men of the city. He was quick witted, inciteful, and sharp-tongued; and though he engaged in conversation, it was more competition than dialogue. He wanted to win every discussion, and usually did so.
He would not have thought much of the Apostle's subordination, although he is fondly remembered for his devotion to his elderly, sickly wife.
I sometimes overhear his kind of conversation in large group meetings when two fellows cannot surrender the last word to each other. They go on and on! And sometimes to the amusement of others as they're clearly unable to let it go. And sometimes tiresomely, as the rest of us have lives to live and miles to go before we sleep.
And I too must often let the other have the last word, especially when he or she cannot rest without it. I have said what I wanted to say; and having said it, I say no more.
I am sometimes subject to homilists who cannot find an end of their homily. They go on and on, often speaking more softly with each sentence, until they lapse into silence, having never found that brilliant final remark. Meanwhile, the congregation practiced subordination.
Sometimes, subordination means allowing the other, or others, to have their way despite my opinion, experience, and convictions. It's just not that important.
Better husbands who expect their wives to be always subordininate soon learn otherwise. That ain't the way it works! The rest are divorced and don't know why. Although married couples typically specialize their roles -- one handles the finances while the other shops; one handles car maintenance while the other attends PTA, one pays the income tax while the others pays the sales tax; they seek agreement on the larger issues. Nor does the one object when the other sometimes does the other's chores. They make it work.
No community can survive without everyone practicing subordination often, and Christians should be especially good at it.
