Preparing For the Inevitable Unknown

We only have so much control, even in a country where the citizens are allowed to “choose” office holders, it is still run by the majority. We may not get what we want. What are we to do? How are we to act? What is our responsibility? What if things don’t go the way we think they should?

 

1 Peter 2:13-17 New American Standard Bible (NASB)

Submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every human institution, whether to a king as the one in authority, or to governors as sent by him for the punishment of evildoers and the praise of those who do right. For such is the will of God, that by doing right you silence the ignorance of foolish people. Act as free people, and do not use your freedom as a covering for evil, but use it as bond-servants of God. Honor all people, love the brotherhood, fear God, honor the king.

 

First of all, we are to submit ourselves to whomever is in authority over us because God has placed them there and to dishonor them is to dishonor God. It doesn’t matter what office or station they hold, who they are, or even whether they are “worthy” of respect, we are still to give it. We prove that we are godly by being respectful to everyone and submitting to authority. If we disrespect or disobey someone because we don’t think they deserve it, we are putting ourselves in the place of God, over them. God despises that kind of mindset. We need to act as Jesus did, who respected those in authority who mistreated them and even prayed for their forgiveness, even though He truly was higher and better than they were. We are not. We need to honor every person because they are made in the image of God as we are, and the only reason we are any different is by the grace of God. On our own we would be just as bad so we have no reason to disrespect them. By disrespecting them, we are proving that we are just as bad as they are.

 

Exodus 22:28 New American Standard Bible (NASB)

You shall not curse God, nor curse a ruler of your people.

 

This verse comes in a passage where God gives the law to Moses, shortly after He gives the Ten Commandments, and is really an extension of the previous passage I referenced. We are to respect authority period, in what we say and do. We don’t have to like them, but we do have to show them honor. It is the same with parents. They may not deserve respect, they may be horrible and abusive, but we are still called to show them respect and that includes speaking well of them. If we can’t say anything nice, don’t say anything at all.

 

Titus 3:1-2 New American Standard Bible (NASB)

Remind them to be subject to rulers, to authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good deed, to slander no one, not to be contentious, to be gentle, showing every consideration for all people.

 

This is the beginning of a passage about godly living. As believers in Christ, as people who represent Him to the world, this is how we are to act. Part of that is being subject and obedient to authority as Jesus was. Our disrespect only shows the arrogance of our own hearts. Instead, we should be ready to do good works. We should speak ill of no one. Nor should we quarrel, pick a fight (even about politics) or look down on anyone. It is important that we share God’s attribute of gentleness and being considerate of everyone, even if they do not share our political views. This is a command from God, and if we disobey it, we are disobeying God. We would show that we care more about ourselves than others, that we think we know better than God. Remember that gentleness is a fruit of the Spirit. It shows that the Spirit is working in us. Quarreling, arguing, and arrogance are the fruit of sin.

 

1 Timothy 2:1-2 New American Standard Bible (NASB)

First of all, then, I urge that requests, prayers, intercession, and thanksgiving be made in behalf of all people, for kings and all who are in authority, so that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity.

 

The best place to start in our quest of respect and submission is prayer. Prayer is the battlefield of life. This is where we should start for everything. If something is bothering us, pray. If we are worried about something, pray. If we don’t like someone, pray. Pray for their salvation, for God to work, for His will to be done. One of the best ways to get over bitterness is to pray for God to bless the person we dislike. Prayer changes hearts, including ours, and if we are unwilling to pray because we don’t want them to become better or blessed, or we don’t want our own hearts to change, then we need to repent and ask God to forgive our pride and hard-heartedness. This command to pray for those in authority is as much for our benefit as theirs, however. If we pray our leaders to be godly, and they do, then our lives will be better because they will enact better laws and we will have no need to fear the removal of our rights and privileges. When we are tempted to disobey, we need to pray. When we are tempted to speak evil of someone, we need to pray. When our world falls apart, we need to pray.

 

Psalm 29:10-11 New American Standard Bible (NASB)

The Lord sat as King at the flood;
Yes, the Lord sits as King forever.
The Lord will give strength to His people;
The Lord will bless His people with peace.

 

No matter how the election goes, we can have peace. No matter what chaos ensues, we can have peace. No matter who rules over us, we can have peace because God is our King, high King over all the rest. He is in control, sovereign over every ruler. He guides our lives with love and mercy. We don’t have to fear because He holds us in the palm of His hands and nothing will befall us that He does not allow. He is good and kind. He is not cruel, malicious or indifferent. Everything He does and allows is for a purpose. We may never see what that purpose is, but we can trust that it is good. We should place our hope in Him, not in our rulers.

 

Is God your King? Do you trust Him with your life? Does your heart seek Him so that He can give you peace?

 

For the next three days, I will write about 3 different stories in the Bible that show God’s control and authority over the most powerful leaders in the world. Stay tuned! Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday.