"Therefore submit yourselves to every ordinance of man, for the Lord's sake, whether to the king as supreme, or to governors, as to those who are sent by him for the punishment of evildoers and for the praise of those who do good. For this is the will of God, that by doing good you may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men--as free, yet not using liberty as a cloak for vice, but as bondservants of God. Honor all people. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the king." I Peter 2:13-17
The accelerated speed of the secularization of America, the epidemic proportions of the decline of moral standards, the redefinition of the family and public disdain for Christian values hurls us into a frightening free-fall from traditional values.
American Christians, like their fellow-believers around the world, face increased opposition. Their values clash daily with those of the society around them. What should Christians do to balance civil obedience and biblical mandates? They must revere the Scriptures and respect authorities. When the apostles, Peter and John, were ordered not to preach the gospel, they replied: "Judge for yourselves whether it is right in God's sight to obey you rather than God. For we cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard." (Acts 4:19-20)
The Message translation of our text instructs us in these words:
"Make the Master proud of you by being good citizens. Respect the authorities, whatever their level; they are God's emissaries for keeping order. It is God's will that by doing good, you might cure the ignorance of the fools who think you're a danger to society. Exercise your freedom by serving God, not by breaking the rules. Treat everyone you meet with dignity. Love your spiritual family. Revere God. Respect the government."
In today's world there is an increased hostility towards Christians who openly declare their convictions. We have a very different America than our forefathers hoped for us. We face a challenging future, but not without hope. God holds the future in His hands. Fully depending upon God, we must pray and have courageous faith.
STAND UP: SPEAK UP AND LIFT UP A STANDARD OF RIGHTEOUSNESS.
PRAYER: Lord Jesus, make me a good citizen who brings glory to your Name. Amen