Transformation through God's Word

Submission to authority has never been my strong suit. I tend to speak out, to hold out, rather than to comply. I've never had a problem with law enforcement. Heck, I used to be one. But, when it comes to those over me having me do something I don't like, I tend to find loopholes. Eventually, if things don't straighten out to my satisfaction, I leave. Peter talks about submission in 1 Pet 2:13-25. He seems to cover everything from federal, state, and local authorities to bosses and even to pastors.

When reading this passage I usually get stuck on whether it's talking about bosses when it talks about slaves. I typically argue that if we wanted to include hirelings or other hired people he would have said that. There were other roles than slaves or servants.

However, vs 13 says be subject to EVERY human institution. That includes bosses & employees. He says it is God's will that we would silence foolish people by doing good.

Some versions say 'submit' rather than 'be subject'. If I really submit that means I don't just give lip service and then find ways or reasons not to perform my orders. If I really submit I cannot say 'I was going to but I got busy'. I have failed to do this many times.

vs 17 reminds me to honor everyone and fear God.

And then as if Peter knows what I'm thinking he says in vs 18 to not only serve and honor the good authorities but the unjust. Well, I really have a great boss now. But what about those I don't care for? He just answered that. I don't like it, but God didn't ask me what I wanted.

v19 he says that it is a gracious thing when a believer, being mindful of God, when loving and serving God more than wanting ones own way, that person endures sorrows while suffering unjustly.

He says that it is no credit to me if I suffer while being punished for sins I committed, that just makes sense. But it is credited to me if I suffer while doing good.

And if complain, moan, or tell others what I'm unjustly going through, then I'm not really suffering am I? I'm attempting to put my suffering on the source of my suffering. That doesn't fit in here. It's what I tend to do, but it doesn't fit.

Then Peter reminds us that Christ suffered unjustly at the hands of Pilot. And because of His example, we to can suffer unjustly at the hands of others. In fact we should, and not complain about it.

I've got to think about this some more.