Bible Reading: 1 Peter 2:13–21
Memory Verse — 1 Peter 2:21 (KJV):
“For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps.”
I remember during the COVID-19 pandemic, as governments issued mandates, one of my in-laws reprimanded me because I refused to obey the government by taking the vaccine. I was accused of not being a good Christian.
The caveat in this Scripture is that governments are sent to punish those who do evil, not to force people to go against their conscience and relinquish bodily autonomy. Our obedience to government should not cause us to relinquish our freedom. We are commanded to live as free people. No government has the right to impose an authority God did not give them.
As workers, we are commanded to submit to authority, not because we like our bosses or because they are good to us. This is easier to do when we serve as unto the Lord. We have to remember that we may suffer punishment as innocent people, but when that happens, God’s name will be glorified because we maintain the right attitude of forgiveness and respect.
Our suffering becomes a credit in our favor before God, who rewards us with a promotion, just as He did for Jesus after He endured the cross.
Prayer
Father, help me to serve wherever I am as on to you not to a man because you will always reward my submission. I repent for times I grumbled and had a wrong attitude towards people you have put in authority over me. I ask for wisdom in my relationship with my superiors in Jesus name I pray.