Honoring Those in Authority

“Be subject for the Lord’s sake to every human institution, whether it be the emperor as supreme, or the 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.” -1 Peter 2:13-17 (ESV).

In writing about a Christian’s responsibility in the social order, or in responding to the government of the land, Peter urges believers to be subject to officials.  The head of the Roman Empire, the emperor, was a pagan ruler, yet because he was in power at that era in history, Christians were urged to be subject to him.  As Christian citizens, we  are to submit to the power vested in human government.  It is important that we respect the office, even though we do not always agree with the decrees the leader initiates or the position the officials take on certain issues.  How can we balance honoring God and following the decrees of government and the leaders who may govern contrary to what seems to be the laws of God?

Peter gives us two clues in today’s focal passage.  “The will of God…” in verse 15 and “live as people who are free” in verse 16 are important to our response to government.  We are to consider that governments are ordained by God.  We may not always understand how some leaders get into office or are allowed to remain in office at times when their decisions seem contrary to the principles clearly defined in God’s Word.  But as Jesus taught us, it is possible to live “above the law,’  to live so closely related to God that even if in seeming bondage under a restrictive government, our minds can enjoy freedom in the Lord. 

What then can we learn from the recent election and those who are in power now or will be as the year 2013 dawns?  We have an obligation to pray for those in positions of government leadership.  We can honor the office.  We can refrain from terms of disrespect.  We can question and seek truth when rumors and conspiracy theories are spread abroad.  First of all, we are servants of God.  We fear Him who allows governments to exist and function.  As believers we can truly say, “Jesus is Lord!”  We are at the same time citizens of a spiritual kingdom and citizens of a governmental realm.  We can earnestly and consistently pray that our local, state and national leaders will be cognizant of God’s supremacy and seek His guidance in their decisions and leadership.

Prayer.  Help us to realize the seriousness of our citizenship in a country that seeks justice and freedom.  Help us stand strong for godly principles and may our leaders seek Your wisdom in all decisions.  In Jesus’ name.  Amen.