September 18, 2022 . . .

The first book of Peter tells us to be living stones with a responsibility to build God’s spiritual house and that self-control is needed as we live our lives with others.  Peter tells us in I Peter 2:13-17 that Christians have a responsibility to our government.  As representatives of the Lord, we are subject to the gospel.  Yet, we should also submit to our government, “for the Lord’s sake.”  We are called to obey the government even if we do not always agree.  While no government is perfect, we are called to speak up when it appears unjust.  The purpose of the government it to punish evildoers and praise those who obey the law.  Why should we submit?  Because God told us to and so that we can show others our goodness in following Jesus Christ.  The governing authorities have been ordained by God in His plan.  As Christians, we should be good citizens.  The only exception is when the government tries to force us to disobey God.  Then we are called to speak out and disobey the government.  Pay taxes, be a good citizen, and control yourself so that in an un-Godly world you can be a witness to others for God.  Yes, I know it’s not always easy to do, but in such a chaotic world as we live in, we should always try to leave this world a better place than we found it.