Read 1 Peter 2:13-17
Today, there are plenty of sources trying to control us. It may be our boss at work, the government, or the police officer who pulled us over for speeding. Even our own children “think” they are in a place of power when they try to manipulate us into doing what they want. All of these “authorities” play a role in our daily lives. How we respond is up to us. Peter suggests we “submit to all human authority—whether the king as head of state, or the officials he has appointed.” Did you catch those final words? The ones God has appointed.
Does that mean all who serve in an official capacity as an “authority” are appointed by God? Or does that mean that we need to submit to the ones God has appointed and not all the other ones? If the latter, how do we know who is who?
Peter shows us God’s intention for those in authority. “For the king has sent them to punish those who do wrong and to honor those who do right.” We can look at these lawful ones and see the outcomes of their leadership. Are their motives based on Biblical truth or the agenda of lies the evil one promotes? If they don’t obey God’s intentions, does that excuse us?
I think of how Bible heroes like Daniel refused to bow down to authority because of his love for the LORD God Almighty, the one true king. For us, Jesus is that king. The kingdom of God is where we belong, and we answer to our ruler who resides there. Daniel’s boldness to do the same can be an example to empower and encourage us.
God is my boss, and the one to whom I give my life. He has given us such freedom in how we live our lives. Peter says here about us. “For you are free, yet you are God’s slaves.” I don’t think of being a slave to Almighty God is a bad thing at all.
Some people can’t imagine being “controlled” by anyone or anything. These verses remind us that we do need to submit to human authority, unless they are asking us to violate God’s word. Of course, if we do practice civil disobedience, are we ready like Martin Luther King, Jr. to accept the consequences? There are plenty of righteous people in leadership we can support with our prayers.
We shouldn’t take our freedom for granted or let our selfish desires overtake us. Peter concludes with two thoughts: (1) Respect everyone, and (2) Fear God. When you think of it, respecting everyone takes care of the authority “issue.” If we respect all other humans, we can’t help but respect authority figures. We might not “like” them, we’re just called here to “respect” them.
When we fear God, we’re simply respecting him with reverence and awe. If we’ve got that kind of a mindset, all of our other behaviors will start to fall into place. We’ll seek God’s word for direction and the Holy Spirit will help us discern the heart of God.
As you build a relationship with God, you begin to sense what will please him and what will not. The Bible makes it pretty clear when we pay attention. Talk to God and then listen, like you would with any relationship.
God’s the authority figure I want to be ruling my life. What about you?
Let’s pray. Lord, you are my king. I adore you. I pray for wisdom for all leaders in authority, whether they know God or not. It’s a big job, and I am thankful for the ones who know you and trust you for their decisions. I also pray for leaders who don’t know you. For them, I pray a blessing that they will find you, that their hearts will be softened, and that people will be drawn to nurture them in the faith. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
