Responsible Citizenship
Scripture – 1 Peter 2:13-17: Submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every authority instituted among people: whether to the king, as the supreme authority, or to governors, who are sent by him to punish those who do wrong and to commend those who do right. For it is God’s will that by doing good you should silence the ignorant talk of foolish people. Live as free persons, but do not use your freedom as a cover-up for evil; live as servants of God. Show proper respect to everyone: Love the fellowship of believers, fear God, honor the king.
Observation – Frankly, I would rather avoid this passage. Yet the question is always before us: How are we, as Christian people, to live in today’s political environment? In Peter’s day there was a king – the Roman emperor. He was not elected. The people had no say in how he came to that position. In our culture, we elect our leaders. Some of them turn out to be good and effective leaders. Others are not so good. Some look out for the good of the country, state or city. Others obviously are more concerned with serving a political party or some other special interests. The specific king in Peter’s day was a terribly brutal person. Persecutions were heading toward the people receiving this letter – they could see them on the horizon. Yet even in the face of that, the call comes to “Submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every authority instituted among people.” What are the implications of that for us today? I think a key is in showing “proper respect to everyone.” We can respectfully disagree with our leadership. And sometimes, as the church, we should do just that. The hard thing is knowing when.
Application – I will pray specifically today about how and when to address the various political issues in our world that are affecting innocent people. I have always tried to avoid using the pulpit to air my personal opinions about issues. But in that, I’ve sometimes avoided raising questions we need to face.
Prayer – Lord, help me know what to do – when to speak and when to remain silent. Reveal to me the difference between expressing my opinion and speaking on your behalf in the face of injustice in our country. Give me courage and wisdom to lift up issues for the church to consider. Help us all be effective, responsible citizens in this day and age.
Observation – Frankly, I would rather avoid this passage. Yet the question is always before us: How are we, as Christian people, to live in today’s political environment? In Peter’s day there was a king – the Roman emperor. He was not elected. The people had no say in how he came to that position. In our culture, we elect our leaders. Some of them turn out to be good and effective leaders. Others are not so good. Some look out for the good of the country, state or city. Others obviously are more concerned with serving a political party or some other special interests. The specific king in Peter’s day was a terribly brutal person. Persecutions were heading toward the people receiving this letter – they could see them on the horizon. Yet even in the face of that, the call comes to “Submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every authority instituted among people.” What are the implications of that for us today? I think a key is in showing “proper respect to everyone.” We can respectfully disagree with our leadership. And sometimes, as the church, we should do just that. The hard thing is knowing when.
Application – I will pray specifically today about how and when to address the various political issues in our world that are affecting innocent people. I have always tried to avoid using the pulpit to air my personal opinions about issues. But in that, I’ve sometimes avoided raising questions we need to face.
Prayer – Lord, help me know what to do – when to speak and when to remain silent. Reveal to me the difference between expressing my opinion and speaking on your behalf in the face of injustice in our country. Give me courage and wisdom to lift up issues for the church to consider. Help us all be effective, responsible citizens in this day and age.
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