I believe it goes with the territory that we are to Fear God. But the part of the title to my blog this morning is something that I find hard to do, especially in the wake of known transgressions on their part and their aggrandizement of themselves. I am somehow to allow them to “rule” over me when they are less than virtuous in their own actions.
“13Be subject for the Lord’s sake to every human institution, whether it be to the emperor as supreme, 14or to governors as sent by him to punish those who do evil and to praise those who do good.” – 1 Peter 2:13-14 (ESV)
As noted in the introduction to 1 Peter in my ESV Bible, “The readers of the apostle Peter’s letter were confused and discouraged by the persecution they were encountering because of their faith”. I read the above passage and see that Peter was setting straight the way to act as followers of Christ. He was clear here that as humans of this world, we are held to the ways of the world and should obey the laws of the land and those that make and administer those laws. I also see that we are to treat them with respect and honor of the positions they hold.
“16Live as people who are free, not using your freedom as a cover-up for evil, but living as servants of God. 17Honor everyone. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the emperor.” – 1 Peter 2:16-17 (ESV)
Peter goes on to lift up the people and give them hope in that they are to continue doing the will of God at every turn, free as Christians to do good. He also reminds them to honor all and fear God.
I am comforted to have this reminder. I do not have to like or agree with all that is brought upon me by those above me in positions of authority. What I do have to do is honor their position and continue doing the Lord’s work everywhere I go. God’s work is above the law of man. When doing the will of God, it may conflict with the law of the land, and if that is so, then I am due the punishments of the land and should accept it as so for I know that the work I have done for God is greater that the work done for man.
“20For what credit is it if, when you sin and are beaten for it, you endure? But if when you do good and suffer for it you endure, this is a gracious thing in the sight of God.” – 1 Peter 2:20 (ESV)
Following and doing the will of God is my place in this world. I am to be in tune with His will and perform the work He has designated for me to complete. I do not know where that work will take me or to what extent I will have to perform, but I know that it is my duty to obey and accept the consequences that are realized in this world. I am to fear God, but also submit to the authority of the world knowing that the work I do for God supersedes the world and whatever consequences that yields here, I am to accept and honor.
What drives you in your actions here in this world? Who is it that you are most interested in pleasing? What if you were to fear God above all and yet still honor everyone and submit to authority?
Trevor's Thoughts 