Three times the Bible repeated itself in the following verses.

“Be submissive to authority” says it all.

Bible Passage: 1Peter 2

Be subject for the Lord’s sake to every human institution, whether it be to the emperor as supreme, or to governors as sent by him to punish those who do evil and to praise those who do good. For this is the will of God, that by doing good you should put to silence the ignorance of foolish people. Live as people who are free, not using your freedom as a cover-up for evil, but living as servants of God. Honour everyone. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honour the emperor.

Titus 3:1-2

Remind them to be submissive to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good work, to speak evil of no one, to avoid quarrelling, to be gentle, and to show perfect courtesy toward all people.

Romans 13:1-2

Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God. Therefore whoever resists the authorities resists what God has appointed, and those who resist will incur judgment.

How many times have we murmured under our breath when some authority figures in our lives made certain decisions or comments that we do not favour? They can be your instructors, managers, politicians, or even your preachers.

The Bible says that authority figures are put in place, in every institution, by God for a purpose – to punish those who do evil and to praise those who do good. It is therefore a reminder for us Christians that our long-term endeavour is to behave upright, and not make our liberty a cover-up for any wickedness. In addition, Christians should be focused on their duty, remembering that they are servants of God.

This serves as great reminder to me and some of us too. I struggled to get the write-up done on time, due to my hectic schedules of late, but I managed to get it done knowing that it is my work for the Lord. I am therefore glad that encountering and writing this passage is so apt for me.

1 Peter 2:18-19

Servants, be subject to your masters with all respect, not only to the good and gentle but also to the unjust. For this is a gracious thing, when, mindful of God, one endures sorrows while suffering unjustly.

Not all figures of authority is just or reasonable.

Apparently, humans are fallible and all have fallen short of God’s glory. Preachers are fallible. Teachers are not immune to character flaws or anger outbursts. Bosses can sometimes be mean and unreasonable. Some politicians are corrupt.

Still, it is commanded that we serve responsibly and with patience and respect not only to the good and gentle figures of authority, but also to those who are mean and unjust.

Why do we have to do this?

Because Christ endured the greatest sufferings on the cross, bore our sins, and died for all mankind. His sacrifice and death for all our sins is an example of patience under sufferings as well as the fulfilment of Divine justice. He died so that we all can live, and live to follow in His ways.

1 Peter 2:21

For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you might follow in his steps

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