1 Peter 2:17 - Friday Praise & Pray (for others) December 15, 2023

The Bible is full of instructions on how we Christians are to live. Consider, for instance, 1 Peter 2:17 - Show proper respect to everyone, love the family of believers, fear God, honor the emperor. The verse is simple and uncomplicated, however, how many of us actually put it into practice?

The scripture begins with "how proper respect to everyone." Far too often, we look down on others who don't share our ideas and neglect to apply the Royal Law toward them. We might disregard the poor, believing they are lazy and need to work harder. Or, it could be foreigners who don't sound or look like us that we don't respect. We may be dismissive of those who are younger or less experienced. Yet, the word tells us to respect everyone and that leaves no person out. We therefore cannot create distinctions as to who we will or will not respect. Not even those who sin differently than us.

We are also told to "love the family of believers." Do we? Have we written off Christian groups because they don't have the spiritual awareness that we have in our group? Remember the Parable of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector? Jesus taught that lesson to correct those who were confident of their righteousness and looked down on everyone else (Luke 18:9). Do we ever do that? Do we ever look at other believers in Christ, thinking we are better than them? Or do we instead pray for the enlightenment of all God's people so that the Body of Christ will grow in the knowledge of Him? Do we gently and lovingly share the word with our fellow believers so they learn through scripture and not insults?

Do we "fear God"? The Lord told us to not be afraid of people, situations, and things but instructed us to fear and revere Him alone. Isaiah 8:13 - The LORD Almighty is the one you are to regard as holy, he is the one you are to fear, he is the one you are to dread. To fear God is not just about saying we do but living like we do. Thus, we won't do and say certain things so as not to disappoint Him. The fear of the Lord prevented David from retaliating against King Saul who tried to kill him multiple times (1 Samuel 24). Do we allow our reverence for God to stop us from going to certain places or watching certain things? From retaliating in action or words when hurt or offended? Do we fear God more than we fear others?

Then there's the directive to "honor the emperor." How many of us despise our leaders and have decided they won't get our respect? Many ignore Exodus 22:28 - Do not blaspheme God or curse the ruler of your people. Hence, we have insulted and spoken poorly about our national, state, and local leaders. Maybe it's because we think they are hypocrites or not as smart as they should be. According to God's word, none of that matters. There are no exceptions to the rule. When you disagree with a leader, it is imperative to take that issue up with God on your knees. That way, you won't run afoul of His commands. His servant taught in 1 Peter 2:13-14 - 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. Notice this requirement to submit extends to your boss, the police, your teachers, and your parents.

We all make mistakes and that means that at some point, each of us has failed to abide by 1 Peter 2:17. But, glory be to God, He is a forgiving Father who seeks to redeem us from all sin and set us on the right path. The Bible says so in Psalm 23:3 - He restores my soul; He leads me in the paths of righteousness For His name’s sake (NKJV). Let us allow the Lord to restore our souls unto Him so that we may be in right standing. This can happen when we choose to change our ways and allow Him to guide us on the path of righteousness. If there's any group or individual you don't believe deserves your respect, today is the day to do better. If you do not love other Christians and do not fear God, today is the day to change. And if you do not believe you must submit to those in authority over you or that you should not insult and speak badly about them, it is time to reconsider.

And if you feel that this message doesn't apply to you because you are already doing well in this regard, then congratulations. Now, take a moment to think about how you can do even better. I know that if you take the time to consider this and call on the Lord to help you improve, He will surely do it for you. For He who called you unto Himself is faithful. He will do it (1 Thessalonians 5:24).