Wednesday 2/12/2014 4:09 AM
1 Peter 2:12-17 gives some great advice that Christians
would do well to heed. “Live such good
lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may
see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us. Submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to
every human authority: whether to the emperor, as the supreme authority, or to
governors, who are sent by him to punish those who do wrong and to commend
those who do right. For it is God’s will
that by doing good you should silence the ignorant talk of foolish people. Live as free people, but do not use your
freedom as a cover-up for evil; live as God’s slaves. Show proper respect to everyone, love the
family of believers, fear God, honor the emperor.”
Somehow it seems that the broader Christian community
latches on to certain verses in the Bible, which they champion with the
enthusiasm of a town crier, while ignoring the practical verses like those
above that give concrete ways to live and interact with others. The Christian community rails against
homosexuality, abortion, and the like, but, when it comes to living peaceably
with their neighbors, loving the alien, and submitting to government authorities,
they are nowhere to be found. They
insist on their own rights but do not seek justice for those who are oppressed.
They feel slighted and victimized at the least intrusion of government into
their lives but ignore the plight of many throughout the world who are being
slaughtered by their governments.
Peter suggests that
we should live in such a way that God is made bigger when people see our
actions. As it is, it would appear that God
is being diminished because of our arrogant way of interacting with those
around us. It seems hopeless. I need to make sure I am not a part of the
problem. Lord, give me the grace to walk
in humility with you.
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