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).

All Christians are to submit to those that God has put in authority over their lives: citizens to governments, employees to employers, and God’s people to church leaders.

We can be tempted to think the Bible must be speaking about other, better, authorities than we have. But when the Holy Spirit gave these words to the Apostle Peter, his emperor was ungodly and cruel.

Our submission is never because of another person’s deserving but for all persons’ blessing. Without human authorities there would be no societal control – and chaos would keep the gospel from spreading through cultures as God intends.

We are free to seek change according to just means, but our goal is always to advance God’s kingdom in God’s ways. We offer our gifts, rights, and witness in service to others to build the Kingdom of God, as Jesus did.

Prayer:
Heavenly Father, help me to remember that everyone must submit to someone for Christ’s purposes to flourish. I ask you to give me the resolve and humility to embrace Christ’s values to promote his purposes.