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1 Peter 2:13-15 “Submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every human authority: whether to the emperor, 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 people.”

Think

You've put in so much effort aiming for that promotion at work, going the extra mile to solve problems and lead your colleagues. Yet, despite your dedication, you weren't chosen for the position. To make matters worse, your new boss has a demanding demeanor and a negative attitude.

Submitting to authority is tough, especially when the person in charge doesn't deserve our respect. It gets even more challenging when authority figures abuse their power or take advantage of our kindness. In those moments, it's tempting to join in when others start complaining or spreading gossip.

Consider the example of Peter, one of Jesus' disciples, who faced regular abuse from those in power. Living under Roman rule, Christians like Peter were seen as traitors and often faced persecution for their faith.Despite this, Peter wrote about submitting to human authority, recognizing that our behavior toward those in power speaks volumes about our faith.

By cooperating with authority figures while remaining steadfast in our commitment to Jesus, we can earn trust and respect and share the Gospel through our actions. Our response in difficult situations reflectsJesus' love, and others are watching to see how we handle such challenges.

Apply

Resist the temptation to engage in gossip, slander, or rebellion against authority figures. Challenge yourself, when tempted, to pray for them instead.

Pray

Father, I confess that submitting to authority can be challenging, especially in moments when I have been mistreated. Give me the strength to follow Peter’s example, submitting to earthly authorities while maintaining me allegiance to your divine will. Give me the courage to stand firm in my faith, trusting in your sovereignty and your promise to work all things together for my good. In Jesus’ name. Amen.