Do you ever feel like you are losing control … or simply in survival mode? Maybe today you feel a little subjugated and worried about what is happening in our culture. We are all adjusting to a world that is different as the result of a global pandemic, heightened racial tensions, and a heated political atmosphere.
1 Peter 2:13-25 gives us hope and shows us how to thrive as we navigate an unjust world as we lean into the spiritual discipline of submission:
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. 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. Servants be subject to your masters with all respect, not only to the good and gentle but also to the unjust. For this is a gracious thing, when, mindful of God, one endures sorrows while suffering unjustly. For what credit is it if, when you sin and are beaten for it, you endure? But if when you do good and suffer for it you endure this is a gracious thing in the sight of God. For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you might follow in his steps. He committed no sin, neither was deceit found in his mouth. When he was reviled, he did not revile in return; when he suffered, he did not threaten, but continued entrusting himself to him who judges justly. He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By his wounds you have been healed. For you were straying like sheep but have now returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls.
One of the first things we discover in this passage is that Government is part of God’s design. Government helps maintain order in a world seething with evil. We are encouraged to submit because this is the will of God and a tribute to His authority. In fact, the passage suggests that real freedom is found when we submit to His rule. In context the encouragement is not for blind submission to evil rulers … but submission to and for God.
The passage goes on to suggest that submission expresses our fear of the Lord, respect for all of mankind, and love for those in Christ. Ultimately, our submission shows that we respect others. It is a means of offering grace when we are treated unfairly. It encourages us to continue to do good even when we suffer, and things get tough. Submission allows us to not only follow Christ’s example, but empowers us to be an example for others. The bottom line is our submission points to Christ: His death, burial, and resurrection. It reminds the world that Jesus took our sin, so that sin would not take us.
The spiritual discipline of submission is a constant reminder that as individuals, we must die to sin so that we might live free and thrive.
This Week: Spend some time and allow God to show you areas in your life where you need to practice the spiritual discipline of submission.
-Pastor Aaron