[I]t is not sufficient to perform general duties of Christianity, unless also we be conscientious in performing the particular duties of our individual callings. A conscientious performance of those particular duties is one part of our “walking worthy of the vocation wherein we are called” (Eph. 4:1).

William Gouge, Building a Godly Home: A Holy Vision for Family Life, 18.

Nothing is acceptable to God but that which is performed through a true filial fear of God, a free, willing, ready, cheerful submission in good conscience. . . . A true fear of God makes us respect more what God requires and commands than what our corrupt heart desires and suggests. It subdues our unruly passions, and brings them within the compass of duty. It makes us deny ourselves and our own desires, and, though through the corruption of our nature and inborn pride we are loath to submit, yet God’s fear will bring down that proud mind and make us humble and gentle. It will keep those who are in authority from tyranny, cruelty, and too much severity, and it will keep those who are under subjection from giving half-truths, deceit, and conspiracies.

William Gouge, Building a Godly Home: A Holy Vision for a Family Life, 13.

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

“The fear of God” is both the efficient cause that moves a true Christian willingly to perform all duty to man, and also the purpose that he refers everything that he does. . . . the fear of God is an awe-filled respect of the divine majesty. Sometimes it arises from faith in the mercy and goodness of God. When the heart of man has once felt a sweet taste of God’s goodness, and found that all his happiness consists only in His favor, it is struck with such an inward awe and reverence, that it would not displease His majesty for anything. Rather, it would do whatever it knows to be pleasing and acceptable to Him.

William Gouge, Building a Godly Home: A Holy Vision for Family Life, 8.

The reason why all are bound to submit themselves one to another is because everyone is set in his place by God, not for himself, as for the good of others. . . . Let everyone therefore, high and low, rich and poor, superior and subordinate, magistrate and subject, minister and people, husband and wife, parent and child, master and servant, neighbors and fellows, all of all sorts in their various places take notice of their duty at this point of submission, and be careful to put it in practice.

William Gouge, Building a Godly Home: A Holy Vision for Family, 6.