1 Peter 2:13: Be Subject For The Lord's Sake To Every Human Institution,

1 Peter 2:13

[13] Be subject for the Lord’s sake to every human institution, whether it be to the emperor as supreme, (ESV)

If you talk to anyone about the state of our country you will likely get an earful. We love to talk about the good old days when things were better. We love to list all of the many ways that our politicians have become corrupt. Of course, things would be better if we were in charge, we suspect. We do not think that our government is pure. We are correct.

Where we can get into trouble as Christians is by thinking that we are welcome to ignore our governmental institutions. We surmise that because our government is corrupt we can do what we want. The Apostle Peter speaks directly to this thought. He says that we are to be subject to every human institution, including the governmental institution that we would like to ignore.

Peter was writing to people who were subject to the Roman Empire. There is no question that there was corruption in the government of Peter's time. Why would the Lord want his followers to be subject to every human institution? God wanted his church to be perceived as pure and spotless, particularly by the outside world.

Peter says that our being subject to every human institution is for the Lord's sake. If you find that you have a hard time being subject to a human institution, remember that you are doing so for the Lord's sake, not for your own sake. Go ahead and pay your taxes. Pay your parking tickets. Pay the ridiculous price that your local school charges for your child's play. Honor your Savior.

The world is watching. Are you a good citizen? Be subject to every human institution. I know it isn't easy. It's for the Savior. He knows how hard it is. He will help you.