Monday, May 25, 2020

A Holy Nation of Good Citizens


Mound City, IL, National Cemetary

The Memorial Day holiday is designated  as a time when we honor our war-dead; but it has morphed into a time when we honor those who’ve had significant impact on our lives before they passed on. It’s also a time when we have barbecues, kick off summer activities, decorate with our national colors, and focus on patriotic thoughts.



Not all these activities might happen, depending on where you live, but I want to focus on patriotic thoughts today since coincidentally my email devotional series happens to contain a passage of scripture which speaks so relevantly to us in May 2020. 

The following is today's email:

1 Peter 2:13-17 Honor all people. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the king.

·        Being a good citizen reflects on God

There’s no getting around it, God intends us to submit to government. When Peter wrote this during the period of the Roman Empire, there were some Jews who recognized no king but God and paid taxes to no one except God. It’s not that Rome was a friend to Christians; but remember what Jesus said? “Render therefore to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.” Matthew 22:21

The exception would be if government ordered us to do something in contradiction to God’s law. Then we stand on Acts 4:19 – to obey God before man.

·        Rulers are sent by God

Peter tells us God sent us these rulers to “punish those who do wrong and to honor those who do right,” as the New Living Translation tells us.

I originally wrote this devotional in 2014, and I asked the question then, “What do you think about negative political ads and those who bash Obama on Facebook?” How could I have known then about the level of negativity on social media and in mainstream media in 2020?

Just as God chose Obama in 2008 and 2012, He chose Trump in 2016. We’ve no right to bash; but are called to pray for our President.

·        God wants you to both speak and do good.

Our conduct is a way to defend the gospel. Those who never read the Bible will watch our lives. It is by living a good life that we can silence ignorance of foolish men.

·        Don’t use your freedom as an excuse for sin.

Peter warns us against using the liberty we have in Jesus as an excuse for sin. Instead we are free to show the kind of love and respect God asks from us.

·        Value all people

Strong’s Concordance says the word translated honor in verse 17 is  timaō  (tim-ah'-o)  to prize, that is, fix a valuation upon; by implication to revere: - honour, value.

Value all people.  Value all sovereign power, or authority.

You can honor government and still do what is right. God is available for help in doing so. Call on Him!


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If you who would enjoy receiving a devotional as well -it's open to everyone - just shoot me an email to prov31grace@yahoo.com to be added to the list.

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2 comments:

  1. Good morning! I love this post and add a hearty AMEN! I have subscribed to your daily emails. See you again soon!

    ReplyDelete
  2. Bashing is out of control for sure. Hope the rest of May goes well for you.

    ReplyDelete

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