1 Peter 2:17 Show proper respect to everyone: Love the brotherhood of believers, fear God, honor the king.

Verses 13-17 seem very appropriate in the US right now. Authority is being misappropriated and misused by some, and that is causing a very understandable reaction. However, we will make it through much better if we will follow this verse. Some would say that there are many who are not worthy of respect. In some cases that’s true, but every human being is created in the likeness of God, however much they have violated that in the years since. As verses 13 and 14 tell us, sometimes our respect is to be for the office someone holds, even if they seem unworthy of that office. That can be a difficult line to walk at times, but God will give wisdom and self-control. We need to remember that Peter was writing in a time when genuinely representative government was unheard of; believe it or not, we have it better! There are numbers of situations that we can and should work to correct, but the fact that we have the right and the possibility to do so was unimagined when Peter was writing. Christian activism on all levels seems to me to be quite desirable, but it must be on the basis of this verse, with respect for all and honor for government, all on the basis of knowing that God is God, and He’s in control.

Since I live in Japan my participation in the American scene is limited to absentee balloting and signing online petitions (though many would like me to contribute financially). Most importantly, I need to pray. A major point of prayer should be for the truth to be revealed, as Jesus assured us would happen. (Luke 12:2) Fortunately, various organized deceptions seem to be unraveling, and I am to be grateful. At the same time, I am to pray that God’s truth would be revealed very clearly to as many as will receive it. There are huge lies in the area of morality that are being pushed strongly as truth. I am to pray for the pastors of America to rise up and speak the truth in love with all boldness, rejecting political correctness however much doing so rocks the boat. If a preacher’s pulpit is more important to them than the approval of God, then they deserve neither. I am to be clear and consistent in my own preaching, casting down the devil’s lies (2 Corinthians 10:3-5) and proclaiming God’s truth in love. (Ephesians 4:15)

Father, thank You for the assurance that You are still in control, no matter how chaotic things look from human perspective. Help me trust You on every level, walking in faithful obedience all the time, so that all of Your plans that involve me may be fulfilled on Your schedule for Your glory. Thank You. Praise God!