Spirit of God, searcher of hearts, we humbly pray that You hear our sighs and prayers for peace within our nation.
1 Peter 2:13-17 is apt this Inauguration Day. Most translations begin with something like, “Be subject for the Lord’s sake to every human institution.” Scholars have shown that’s not the correct translation. It should be “Be subject to every human creature.” Whether by power plays or noise that drowns out other voices, it’s not for us to subject others to our will but rather “in humility to count others more significant than yourselves” (Philippians 2:3). Since He who humbled Himself for us is now exalted, subordinating ourselves to serve others is how we follow in His footsteps (1 Peter 2:21; 3:22).
“…whether to the emperor as supreme, or to governors as sent by him to punish those who do evil and to praise those who do good.” The Bible doesn’t say much about duties of government but restraining evil and praising good is a biblically defined duty. God wants His protection and care extended to all people, Christians and non-Christians alike.
“For this is the will of God, that by doing good you should put to silence the ignorance of foolish people.” 1 Peter identifies two basic motivators for how humans act: emotions or the will of God. Emotions are on full display in America’s public life these days, but the will of God is to subject our emotions to His commands since we have been born again to be “children of obedience” (1 Peter 1:3, 14; 4:2).
“Live as people who are free, not using your freedom as a cover-up for evil, but living as servants of God.” True freedom is not unrestrained indulgence, but God’s will working in us to serve others (Philippians 2:13). “Love your neighbor as yourself,” says Jesus, especially people and partisans you don’t like (Matthew 22:39; Luke 14:13).
“Honor everyone. Love the brotherhood (fellow believers). Fear God. Honor the emperor.” This is a dig at presumptuous politicians. Like everyone, national leaders are to be honored, but only God is to be feared. The Gospel transforms fear of punishment for our sins into awe that He redeems us. This is the true “fear of God” that fills our devotion and conduct (1 Peter 1:17-19)
If our citizenry takes these verses to heart, our national life will become more civil and peaceful, but if most people don’t, we followers of Jesus will still walk in His ways.
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