Wednesday, November 07, 2012

Aftermath


Some of you may be rejoicing today in this week's election results. Some of you may be annoyed, upset, dejected. Regardless of the outcome and your reaction to it, please remember this:
This world is not our home.
It's a reminder that Peter gave in I Peter 2: 
Dear friends, I warn you as “temporary residents and foreigners” to keep away from worldly desires that wage war against your very souls. Be careful to live properly among your unbelieving neighbors. Then even if they accuse you of doing wrong, they will see your honorable behavior, and they will give honor to God when he judges the world. (v. 11-12)
And now look at what comes next:

For the Lord’s sake, respect all human authority—whether the king as head of state,  or the officials he has appointed. For the king has sent them to punish those who do wrong and to honor those who do right.
It is God’s will that your honorable lives should silence those ignorant people who make foolish accusations against you. For you are free, yet you are God’s slaves, so don’t use your freedom as an excuse to do evil. Respect everyone, and love your Christian brothers and sisters. Fear God, and respect the king. (v. 13-17)

I don't think it's a coincidence that the passage to respect all authority and heads of state comes immediately after Peter's reminder that we're living as foreigners. These commands extend to today. Remember that this world is not our true home, and we are to live honorably and respectfully while we're here.

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