“Submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord’s sake: whether it be to the king, as supreme; Or unto governors, as unto them that are sent by him for the punishment of evildoers, and for the praise of them that do well. For so is the will of God, that with well doing ye may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men: As free, and not using your liberty for a cloke of maliciousness, but as the servants of God. Honour all men. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honour the king.” 1 Peter 2:13-17 (KJV)
The apostles could certainly be pointed in their instructions. Some of their instructions are harder to swallow than others. Submission is one of those hard to swallow apostolic prescriptions. And it is hard enough when prescribed for submitting to one another in the Church, but submitting to those who are in governmental authority seems an almost impossible task for many people.
Somehow, people get the idea that they can take or leave portions of the Scripture that are unpalatable. Many reason that since they disagree with the President’s or the Governor’s politics, they are exempt from submitting to his/her authority or honoring him/her.
Now, consider how the bold Apostle teaches us that submission to law and order is the will of God. He illustrates that governmental structure and leaders are for civil order and protection. Of course, we who follow Christ are more responsible because God expects us to be an example to irresponsible, rebellious individuals. Our submissive spirits, respectful attitudes, and good works somehow produce a silencing effect upon their ignorance. So then, our liberties are tools for serving God not for malicious words or actions.
Dear Father, thank you for the civil order we enjoy in America. Bless our President, our Governors, our Congress, our Legislatures, and all city and county officials. Give them wisdom to act responsibly in our behalf. Grant that we may be an example of submission and respect. This I pray in the name of Jesus, our Lord and Savior. AMEN
Be encouraged today as you submit to the will of God,