Week 45: Respecting those in Authority

This week's Bible reading unfolds as follows:

* Sunday (Epistles): 1 Peter 1-3
* Monday (The Law): Deuteronomy 10-12
* Tuesday (History): 2 Chronicles 33-36
* Wednesday (Psalms): Psalms 128-130
* Thursday (Poetry): Ecclesiastes 5-6
* Friday (Prophecy): Haggai
* Saturday (Gospels): Acts 13-14

Scripture:
Peter's first epistle is filled with much practical wisdom. One of the passages that stands out is 1 Peter 2:13-14a: "For the Lord’s sake, respect all human authority — whether the king as head of state, or the officials he has appointed."

Observation:
Criticizing "human authority" is routine practice these days. We don't have a king in this nation. The equivalent is the President of the United States. "Appointed officials" include members of the Executive Branch, the president's cabinet, the Legislative Branch, which includes the Congress and Senate House, and the Judicial Branch, which includes the Supreme Court, US Court of Appeals, US District Courts, and Territorial Courts. Beyond that there are the US Armed Forces and state and local authorities.

A day does not go by without the media criticizing or demeaning one of these officials.

Ours is a culture of criticism.

God's word calls followers of Jesus Christ to be countercultural!

Instead of getting on the bandwagon of political pundits and talk-show hosts, God asks us to respect those in governmental authority. The "king" in Peter's day was the infamous emperor, Nero, who brutally murdered Christians. If followers of Christ were to respect Nero, we have no room for excuses when it comes to respecting the governmental authorities in our nation.

Application:
I find it so easy to be drawn in by this culture of criticism. It takes conscious effort not to be! So this week, I will make an extra effort to pray for those in authority...from the President of the United states to the Sherwood police officers that protect our safety here in town.

Prayer:
Heavenly Father, please forgive me for my critical spirit. Purify my heart and mind so that I can respect the people you've placed in authority. Please be with President Obama, the members of his cabinet, and all those who serve in federal, state, and local governments. Please protect those who serve in our nation's Armed Forces as well as those who serve in uniform to protect us locally. And help me be a model citizen that is known for words of grace rather than criticism. For Jesus' sake. Amen!

Have a great week!

Faithfully,
Chuck