REMADE TO REPRESENT CHRIST IN THIS TEMPORARY RESIDENCE OF OURS
I Peter 2:11-17
Driving from my house at Lake Jodeco to The Palms at Lake Spivey, there are two stop signs, four traffic lights, two yield signs, three posted speed limits including one for a school zone. (As you go through a school zone on Evans Road in Rex, there is a sign at the end of the zone that is supposed to read, “End School Zone”; “zone” has been painted over by pranksters).
As a driver, how am I supposed to regard road signs? Obey them! Why are we to obey the signs? (1) It’s the law. (2) it’s the right thing to do. When I see a “yield” sign, what is my responsibility? “Submit” to an oncoming vehicle – let the other driver go first; it’s the right thing to do; it’s in the best interests of both drivers.
In the Bible, the original word translated “submit” is always used to denote that which is in the best interests of everyone, whether it is used relative to: God our Father, governmental authorities, work requirements or marriage relationships.
The Greek term “hupotasso” was meant to convey an orderly arrangement of persons, places, or things - in a manner that: is best suited for meeting the needs of persons affected by the arrangement . . . is advantageous for achieving the overall objectives of the body as a whole (particularly, military objectives) . . . has been proven effective, as improved upon over time.
When we run across the English word “submit” – with so many variations of usage – we must interpret it in terms of the concept it was intended to convey in the original language.
“To set in array” - “under”, if subject to . . . in a mutually agreed-upon “order”, if equal to – set not by a “flip of the coin” type of arrangement, but, a well-thought out and thoroughly discussed orderly arrangement that is in everyone’s best interests - whether in a relationship, partnership, or community.
Christians are first and foremost subject to the Lord God, secondarily subject to those who have been set in positions of governmental authority. We, as children of God, are to submit to (be set in array under) management by civil authorities to the extent that our submission to God our Father allows us to do so.
For example, compliance with the law – and, courtesy while driving - are two standards that ought to come naturally to representatives of Christ.
To shake a fist at a driver for cutting in front of you is not exactly conduct becoming a Christian - especially one who has a fish emblem displayed on the back bumper of his car!
After all, this world is not our home and, in a sense, we are “just passing through”, or, as I’d prefer to say, we have better things to do on our way Home than get all out of sorts over foolish actions by selfish people.
Yet, here we are - “in the world, but not of the world” - which could be looked upon as somewhat of a dilemma - but as representatives of Christ: The Apostle Peter suggests that we have an opportunity to reflect our new life in Christ – I Peter 2:11-17 . . .
In the first ten verses of this chapter, Peter used imagery to urge followers of Christ to represent Christ maturely – be sustained by the “sincere milk of the Word”, be living stones joining together to build a “spiritual house” for living as “the people of God”.
Then (in verses 11-17) Peter submitted the proposition that mature believers separate themselves from the corruption of the world by not submitting to sinful desires and lifestyles that “war against the soul” (Galatians 5:19-21 - a list of such).
Living for Christ may rub unbelievers the wrong way; some may ridicule and mock us, but eventually accusers will see the good, and “glorify God”.
It was disheartening this past week to hear about a talk show host speaking derisively of Vice President Pence, suggesting that he has a mental disorder because “He listens to Jesus”.
Once again, as was the case when the vice president was insulted by an Olympic athlete for his Christian beliefs, Mr. Pence responded gracefully with no malice. A Christian gentleman – turning the other cheek - exemplary of what it means to be a true New Testament believer!
It was heartening this past week to hear an elderly gentleman say to a minister friend, “Sir, I just want you to know that I praise God for the work that you still do as you go around looking for opportunities to pray for people and to win them to the Lord!”
The minister friend appeared to be somewhat taken aback and a little bit embarrassed by the public acclaim, but responded, “I’m glad it’s the Lord and not me that you give glory to!”
Two entirely different responses to the “words and works” of two believers – one the recipient of ridicule due to a mounting hostility toward Christians in our nation, the other on the receiving end of a commendation for his good works that precipitated public praise to God!
Though some may criticize us for our Christian standards . . . mock, scorn or ridicule us because we oppose unholy practices that too often pressure politicians into passing ungodly policies . . . express their hostility toward us, some just might be led to Christ by our consistent witness for Christ. “I’m glad you still do what you do.” The main reason why mature Christians are willing to endure the hostility is “for the Lord’s sake”. A Christian is on the way Home, therefore has nothing to gain by ugliness, but others have so much to gain by a Christian’s loveliness.
For the same reason, mature Christians submit to governmental authority - “for the Lord’s sake” - for the sake of Christ, the gospel, the Christian message.
Peter’s main concern is the opportunity that submission offers to share the gospel, silence critics, show that government is from God and can be used as a way by which God’s will is achieved - provided everyone understand that God, not government, is our ultimate authority.
Government is NOT God. Government is FROM God.
Folks, as “sojourners” in this world, the Lord God has not commanded us to like everybody (love, yes, but not like).
As long as we live in this world, there will be leaders we don’t like, we don’t trust, whose views on certain issues we oppose. We are not commanded to agree with them, nor to condone their actions or policies. For everyone’s well-being, however, it is best to respect their authority and to abide by the laws they make.
There is an exception. When a leader or a law contradicts the truth of God’s Word, we may do as Peter did: When he was brought into court and charged with disobeying the Sanhedrin’s edict not to teach in the name of Jesus. “Then Peter and the other apostles answered, saying, ‘We ought to obey God rather than men’.” Caution: Pick your fights with the government very carefully . . .
Jesus had an interesting take on the believer’s God vs Government stance : “Render unto Caesar what is Caesar’s and unto the Lord what is the Lord’s!”
Do you see in this saying what I see? As Christians, we do not live above the laws of the land. If we consider a law to be unjust, together we work to change the law.
“Render” not “surrender” to governmental authorities! Christians are to abide by laws that are in everyone’s best interests just like all citizens are expected to, with that one exception . . . “Civil disobedience with no violence” by those who fought for equal justice was justified by the twin truths - “all are created equal” and “in Christ there is no difference”.
Folks, we are free people – by the redeeming work of Christ, by conscience and by law. HOWEVER, this old axiom is still true: Liberty is not license! Peter put it this way: “Do not use your liberty for a cloak of maliciousness.”
We are free, but we are also “servants of God”! Thus, “honor” (assign value to, show respect for) every human being (see everyone’s potential for becoming a child of God) . . . “love” each person who belongs to the Fellowship of Believers . . . “fear God” (reverence, look upon with awe) . . . “honor the king” (respect and give due allegiance to, not revere as if the governmental authority is God himself or a god).
Although our residence is temporary, we are to be representatives of Christ in every aspect of living in this world, always reflecting our Lord’s promise to us of an eternal Home by living a life consistent with that of a child of God who is on his or her way home to be with the Lord.
C. S. Lewis: “If I find in myself a desire which no experience in this world can satisfy, the most probable explanation is that I was made for another world.”
And so we were! Amen.
