“Be subject for the Lord’s sake to every human institution, whether it be 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. For this is the will of God, that by doing good you should put to silence the ignorance of foolish people. Live as people who are free, not using your freedom as a cover-up for evil, but living as servants of God. Honor everyone. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the emperor.
Servants, be subject to your masters with all respect, not only to the good and gentle but also to the unjust. For this is a gracious thing, when, mindful of God, one endures sorrows while suffering unjustly. For what credit is it if, when you sin and are beaten for it, you endure? But if when you do good and suffer for it you endure, this is a gracious thing in the sight of God. For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you might follow in his steps. He committed no sin, neither was deceit found in his mouth. When he was reviled, he did not revile in return; when he suffered, he did not threaten, but continued entrusting himself to him who judges justly. He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By his wounds you have been healed. For you were straying like sheep, but have now returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls.” 1 Peter 2:13-25
Boy do I struggle with this at times. Oh, to be more like Christ. To not revile in return. To not sin in thought, word, and deed. It can be easy to think that we are submissive, and we honor everyone, especially those in authority over us. But just because we are not reviling out loud or physically shaking our fists, we can still be doing those things in our minds.
We don’t approve of injustice in any way. We long for true justice. We lament when justice is not served. But we also cannot be vigilantes in a world of chaos. We are to entrust ourselves to the one who judges justly. Even when the authorities we submit to are unjust. May we learn how to better die unto sin and live for righteousness. Even in the times we need to fight for righteousness. By doing good, may we put to silence the ignorance of foolish people.
May God give you strength as you serve Him this week. May we look to Christ’s example and follow in His steps.