What You Do Is Important

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. - 1 Peter 2:13-15

This selection of scripture is interesting. For some, it may be unsettling. Peter has just shared our need to live as a “Holy People.” He has shared that as we grow in Christ we should be transformed. How we look and act should change, as we are changed on the inside by the Holy Spirit. As I said last week, we should look different. 

I am sure the call to look different from the world led some early Jesus followers to follow their rebellious streak. Afterall, one of the apostles, Simon, was a Zealot and fiercely wanted Israel’s independence. Zealots were associated with violent uprisings against Israel's oppressors. I’m certain Simon would have been up for an insurrection and may have been hoping Jesus would lead one. 

Here Peter says just the opposite. He tells those reading to “be subject” to governments and the human authorities. He doesn’t say to combat the authorities but to obey them. Peter tells us to be good citizens of whatever human government we live under. 

For us the mission is one of doing good. Standing out because of the way we love. Even when those who have authority over us are difficult to love. He says our works will “put to silence the ignorance of foolish people.”

John 13:34-35 shares the words of Jesus, “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” Let your love shine greater than your opinions and politics. Afterall, it is the mission Jesus has called each of us to live out.

Be blessed and be a blessing,
Matt