01/20/2009 1 Peter 2:13

01/20/2009

1 Peter 2:13 - 15 (HCSB) ¹³Submit to every human institution because of the Lord, whether to the Emperor as the supreme authority, ¹⁴or to governors as those sent out by him to punish those who do evil and to praise those who do good. ¹⁵For it is God’s will that you, by doing good, silence the ignorance of foolish people.
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Today marks an historic event in America as we inaugurate our first president of African-American descent.

This day does not come without much controversy and disagreement. It seems that everyone has an opinion about President-elect Obama. And equally, those opinions are uncharacteristically strong ones. Each of us, for one reason or another have taken our political stands and we look on this day either with great gladness or disappointment.

Nevertheless, we must remember a central truth. Those placed in authority have been put there by God. It is God’s purpose at work, not man’s.

Therefore, let us conduct ourselves with dignity, submit to that authority (in so far as we do not blaspheme God) and become an example to those who expect us to throw tantrums and grumble.

One of the hallmarks of the Christian life is that it confounds the people of the world. As the Christians of the first few centuries preferred to face death rather than renounce their faith, we too can confound this world by conducting ourselves with grace and dignity even in disappointment.

“You, by doing good, silence the ignorance of foolish people.”

Yes, even the disappointments in your life can serve as opportunities to share your faith through your actions.

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