For the Lord's Sake

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. (1 Pet. 2:13-14)

​We live in a day and age when Christians can really struggle with submitting to our government.  This is especially true in the United States where the government is becoming more and more anti-Christian and more amoral every day.  I hear Christians talk of refusing to pay taxes, of refusing to wear Covid masks in places where signs are clearly posted, of refusing to register their firearms in states where it is required, and a host of other subtle forms of rebellion.  Yet, the apostle Peter writes in 1 Peter 2:13-14, “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.”  What is interesting is that Peter writes this during a time when the Roman government was actively persecuting Christians (see 1 Peter 1:1).  What is also interesting to note is the reason he gives they should be willing to submit to the Roman government— “for the Lord’s sake.”  This is because the fruit of the Spirit, the evidence of the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit, the evidence of the transforming power of the gospel, is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Gal. 5:22-23), not hate, anger, rebellion, intolerance, hostility, rudeness, insubordination, harshness, and divisiveness.  When Christians think and behave the way the world thinks and behaves, it brings dishonor to God and discredits the gospel.  Thus, Peter goes on to say, “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.”  That is, honor the current President of the United States.  Honor the current Speaker of the House.  Respect and submit to the government God has placed over us.  We do this “for the Lord’s sake.”