1 Peter 2:13-14New International Version (NIV)
13 Submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every human authority: whether to the emperor, as the supreme authority, 14 or to governors, who are sent by him to punish those who do wrong and to commend those who do right.
Submitting isn’t always easy. It’s a choice to submit to authority. The interesting thought about our verse today is that Peter isn’t asking. He is telling. What he’s telling us here is that by submitting, we are truly subjecting ourselves to authority.
To be ‘subject’ is a military term which means to arrange in military fashion under a commander. You actually put yourself into an attitude of submission.
Isn’t it interesting to see a man like Peter to have an attitude of submission, and to actually write about it. Remember that Peter in his early beginning with Jesus was always asking ‘why’ or ‘how come’. He was more of a man who resisted authority as to submitting to it.
Even while Jesus was reinstating Peter after his denial in John 21:15-18. He tells Peter that he will even in his death someone else will dress him and lead him where to go.
I think we all struggle with authority to one point or another in our lives. My own dad has shared with me that I have too many maverick instincts.
So what can we do with submission? I as the Lord for help, and I realize more and more this submission is good in my life to those who have authority over me. Lord, you have full authority of my life, and you place people of authority to rule over me. I thank you for loving me enough to show me the areas I need to submit.
Strength and Courage
Michael
