1 Peter 2:13-15 - Authority

“Submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every authority instituted among men; whether to the king, 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 men.”

Peter clearly defines the Christian’s relationship with earthly authority. The Christian is to honor every authority instituted among men: whether it is the king or governor – or in today’s life – the president or the police, all the way down to professors, bosses, and dare I say, parents. As you probably know, this is not always an easy teaching to follow.

Nowhere does Peter say we have to agree with, or even like those in authority – but we must obey and give them the respect they deserve. There is a saying in the military that speaks to this point, “Salute the rank, not the man.” If you dislike a superior, he or she is still your superior; so you salute their status as such, but that doesn’t mean you have to like them.

I love that. It takes our personal opinions out of the equation, because frankly, our opinions aren’t nearly as important as we think they are. So it doesn’t matter if you like President Obama, your economics professor, or your boss – they deserve your honor and respect because they are your president, your instructor, and your boss. When you act otherwise, you are acting against biblical instruction; and that is not good.

Why should we show respect and obedience to authority figures who we disagree with or misuse their authority? Peter says we obey for God’s sake. Why? By living properly and doing good we will be a good example, and therefore have a good reputation among those who live around us, which sheds a positive light on Christ. Isn’t it amazing the simple things that God can use for his glory?

So – what authority figure do you need to respect and obey? Again, no one says you have to like them or agree with them, but you are called to obey and honor the authority in your life. If you have been “anti” somebody in speech and action…perhaps it is time to rethink that position in light of this passage.