“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.”
Today we celebrate Memorial Day. We have the longest existing Declaration of Independence and Constitution, more than any other country in the history of mankind. It has not been easy to preserve. We honor the men and women who gave their lives for our freedom and next month we honor those who worked to develop the new birth of a nation.
We thank God for our freedoms and the price that was and is paid to preserve it. Yet, let us not forget there is a greater freedom than transcends any earthly kingdom or country. This is the kingdom of God that includes Romans, Greeks, Jews, and every nationality that has individuals who give personal allegiance to Jesus Christ. It is a kingdom within our kingdoms that flesh and blood cannot destroy.
The world thought the Christians were going to overthrow their earthly government, even in Peter’s time. They thought church meetings were political ones. It was therefore necessary that men's minds also be eased from the impression that any violence was being planned. If Christians could accept order, safety, and the privileges of life then they were to share with the cost and yield to the government. Laws were set up to help us better live together. The job of the government is to protect its citizens and promote cooperative living. We have privileges. We have responsibilities. We must pay taxes, honor the governmental authorities, live quiet and peaceable life. But behind the motives of what we do as citizens is pointing us to a greater king. King Jesus is to be glorified and honored above all. Our lives are to reflect His glory.
Since we understand all authority is given by God then it is easy to pray for those in authority, to work for peace, and to rest in the hope that God is ultimately in charge. This is not to say do not get involved in politics, but it does say our involvement must be different than for the lust of power and influence. It should be with the long-range view that God’s desire for order and peace prevails.
Peter recognizes that to be a good citizen is to live to the glory of God and in obedience to His commands. In other words, good Christians make good and moral citizens and that should be a testimony to any and every government.
Dale
