March 7, 2023

1 Peter 2:11-17 (HCSB)
11 Dear friends, I urge you as aliens and temporary residents to abstain from fleshly desires that war against you.12 Conduct yourselves honorably among the Gentiles, so that in a case where they speak against you as those who do evil, they may, by observing your good works, glorify God in a day of visitation.13 Submit to every human institution because of the Lord, whether to the Emperor as the supreme authority, 14 or to governors as those sent out by him to punish those who do evil and to praise those who do good. 15 For it is God's will that you, by doing good, silence the ignorance of foolish people. 16 As God's slaves, [live] as free people, but don't use your freedom as a way to conceal evil. 17 Honor everyone. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the Emperor.

Mackenzie Tomes
When I was in high school, my Bible teacher planned a retreat for us based on 1 Peter 2:11. The idea of being an “alien” in this world has stuck with me ever since. Peter reminds us that our real home is with God. Praise God that the separation from Him that we now experience is only temporary! As strangers in this world, we are called to live our lives differently. We are to be a witness to how God has transformed us. In Matthew 5:16 Jesus says, “In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” It’s all about glorifying God! As we go about our lives in this world, it will be necessary to follow certain laws of our land. This does not mean that we should compromise our beliefs. However, Peter reminds us that our freedom in Christ does not give us license to “conceal evil.” Obey those in authority, and once again God will use our actions to glorify Himself.