One of my favorite verses:
9 But you are not like that, for you are a chosen people. You are royal priests, a holy nation, God’s very own possession. As a result, you can show others the goodness of God, for he called you out of the darkness into his wonderful light.
A verse that is somewhat difficult, especially during this election time, but doesn't change its meaning:
13 For the Lord’s sake, respect all human authority—whether the king as head of state, 14 or the officials he has appointed. For the king has sent them to punish those who do wrong and to honor those who do right.
Really hard sometimes, yet Paul told Timothy a similar thing.
I urge you, first of all, to pray for all people. Ask God to help them; intercede on their behalf, and give thanks for them. 2 Pray
this way for kings and all who are in authority so that we can live
peaceful and quiet lives marked by godliness and dignity. 3 This is good and pleases God our Savior, 4 who wants everyone to be saved and to understand the truth. (1 Timothy 2:1-4)
Be Blessed!
I've struggled with respecting all human authority, too. But, just think how different things would be if all Christians were actually seriously praying for our leaders rather than putting them down, posting disparaging pictures and soundbites, and putting them on the judgement seat as if we were God almighty!
ReplyDeleteIt is sometimes really difficult to weigh respecting authority like Paul and Peter ask us to do with standing up for goodness like Jesus did. It seems they are in conflict sometimes. The difficulty is respecting authority without compromising what we perceive as the basic teachings of Jesus. And, sometimes, that ends up being the hardest thing of all because sometimes it requires taking up the cross. Sometimes it means being arrested and thrown in jail.
OFF TOPIC: I just wanted to share...I attended my first Women of Faith conference this past weekend in Sacramento. I'm sure some of you have already experienced these events. I had a wonderful time and felt the Holy Spirit alive and well. It is a really good way to get a fresh look on faith. :-)
ReplyDelete1 Peter 2
ReplyDelete24-25 Christ carried our sins in his body on the cross so that freed from our sins, we could live a life that has God’s approval. His wounds have healed you. You were like lost sheep. Now you have come back to the shepherd and bishop of your lives.