Scripture Text: 1 Peter 2:13-17
Honor everyone. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the emperor.
1 Peter 2:17
In a world where different kinds of powerful rulers lived and governed in each country, Apostle Peter reminded us of how we should live our lives as someone who is under the authority of God and the authority delegated to govern us while we are in this world.
Apostle Peter encourages us to submit ourselves to human authorities, whether it's the highest ruler or local leaders, all for the Lord's sake. Of course, the standard we should follow should and will always be the Bible, and this is the measurement of the things we should obey within local rulers. We should never compromise God's standards to comply with earthly rulings.
Then Apostle Peter emphasizes that it is God's will for us to do good. Our actions should be a testimony to our faith, and by doing good, we are shedding God's light to people who have different beliefs than us and to those who criticize our faith in Christ. Good should be defined according to God's standard and not to any other standard.
When Apostle Peter said that we should live as free people, it means freedom from the captivity of any present power here on earth, and freedom to do the will of God. Our freedom from sin was never meant as freedom to sin. It is our responsibility to live according to His principles and His commands, even in a world that may not always understand or appreciate them, because at the end of the day, what matters is our relationship with Christ.
Peter concludes by encouraging us to show respect to everyone and love fellow believers as a family. This speaks to the importance of unity within the body of Christ and our responsibility to treat everyone with love in Christ. Lastly, we are reminded to fear God because we are to give our reverential fear to God, knowing how glorious, powerful, and just our God is.
Reflect
Do we submit to authorities and laws implemented by our local rulers and ensure that these laws do not violate our faith before following them?
Remember
The community in which we live should always see the light of Christ and His words in our lives, which is why it is necessary to ensure that our submission to authorities is not just limited to following the law, but also exercising our Christianity in the circle of our community because it is the will of God.
Read
Romans 13:1-2; Titus 3:1
Pray
Our Father, help us to submit ourselves to human authority for the sake of your divine will. Grant us the strength to honor and respect our leaders. May we live as free people, not using our freedom as a cover-up for evil, but as servants of God, because we know that this is your will. In Jesus' name, we pray, Amen.
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