1 Peter 2:13-25 The Government & How We React To It

Just reading the paragraph title before verse 13 caused me to want to rebel:  “Yield to Every Human Authority”.  Although I’d like to think that the reason my defenses went up was based on my enormous disagreement with the policies, actions, and manner of operation of our national government, by the end of the chapter I was forced to admit that the main problem stems from my sin nature.  It began in Eden when Adam and Eve decided that they wanted to be like God and rebelled.

 

My commentary said a Christian’s responsibility is to advertise God’s virtues.  “When we do something in the will of God and as servants of God, then we are doing it for the Lord’s sake.  God has willed that we silence the critics by doing good, not by opposing the authority … Anyone can fight back; it takes a Spirit-filled Christian to submit and let God fight his battles.”  Christ suffered, and His suffering came when He submitted to earthly powers.  “As we live godly lives and submit in times of suffering, we are following Christ’s example and becoming more like Him.”

 

Father, take my rebellion down a notch.  Lower my hackles.  Help me to remember that Christ wasn’t a political activist.  He simply did what You told Him to do and showed You to the world as He did so.

 

Your Brother In Christ,

Gary Ford