God set up the governing authority to punish evil and injustice. Romans 13 tells us, "rulers hold no terror for those who do right..." Sadly when that is not reality, the governing authority is outside God's will in its purpose. Today America finds itself in a Communist-lite society where government punishes its enemies and sets free those who commit criminality blatantly. Many believers are experiencing anxiety, fear, and becoming compliant to get along, attempting to thwart those emotional realities. Yet, with that capitulation, they continue to find themselves disquieted. There is a reason for that. When followers of Jesus disregard God's Word, they will find their souls in turmoil.
1 Peter 3:13 "And who is he who will harm you if you become followers of what is good? 14 But even if you should suffer for righteousness’ sake, you are blessed. “And do not be afraid of their threats, nor be troubled.”15 But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear; 16 having a good conscience, that when they slander you as evildoers, those who revile your good conduct in Christ may be ashamed. 17 For it is better, if it is the will of God, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil."
God's word covers such a time as this. Both righteous and unrighteous leaders have governed Christians over the years. That is not new, sadly. Peter addresses these issues, so did Paul in Romans 13. The Scriptures are meant to manage a believer's way of life. The Word of God transforms our soul when we hold to it for "life and godliness." This passage in Peter warns us of times that governing authorities turn against their responsibility given to them by God, leading to the suffering of the righteous. It declares, "you are blessed." That blessing does not come from surrendering to ungodly rules and orders. It comes by walking close to God, not being afraid of their threats.
The second part of our hope comes when we look different enough to be noticed. This passage indicates that people will ask us why we are not afraid. Peter then tells us when we walk in God's truth; we will have the opportunity to share that hope with others. This hope is how we get through this challenging time of mandates and chaos. As the government attempts to dictate what we put in God's temple, our body, as opposed to leaving us with the freedom to "honor God with your body which is the Lord's." Also, we see blatant persecution of those who should not be prosecuted and giving freedom to those who deserve to be held accountable for rioting, destruction, and murder. It's all twisted upside down. And Scripture has something to say about it.
We are not left to figure out what to do. God's word speaks to our time by offering us others who went through this before us. Yes, Peter brought comfort to those being persecuted unjustly in his time. Before discovering this passage of Scripture, I was asking God to remove the unrighteous leaders. He won't answer that because they may be fulfilling his purposes. Now, I pray that God helps his people understand the blessings we garner through these unjust leaders if we walk in obedience to his direction through Peter. We must become doers of his Word. Recognize this is an evil time. We are suffering for righteousness' sake. Please take note of the directive of Scripture to be ready to give answers for the hope we have. Put yourself in God's hands, understanding his will that we suffer for doing good at this time. Even that is a blessing. Those are not my words but his.
Don't be anxious or afraid; hope in God. Hoping in God doesn't immediately remove the anxiety or fear, but it begins to line those emotions up with God, and thanksgiving begins to fill your heart. But first, you must choose hope and the truth of God's Word. Suffering for doing what is right is the reality of our time. The question is, "will you take your instructions as to how to handle it from God or your machinations?" Those both have consequences. Why not handle this time biblically and experience God's blessing? What are those blessings? Read Galatians 5:22-23, 1 John 4:18, John 16:33, Philippians 4:4-7.
Instead of allowing your mind to stress over the trouble you face, choose to meditate on Philippians 4:8, and Paul continues to give instructions in Philippians 4:9 "whatever you have learned or heard... put it into practice." Now that you have read how to handle "unjust suffering," you must put it into practice.
Comments