Honor everyone. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the emperor.
1 Peter 2:17 (ESV)
Lord Jesus, I cannot help but wonder what is going on in this world and country around me. All of what appears to be craziness in the Capitol is a source of concern. My mind cannot help but go back to those days in this country where rights were withheld for so many. And today, neither side appears to be completely on the side of good. And frankly, I am concerned.
And yet, there is a part of me that recognizes that You have set all of this into motion, that those in charge were placed there by Your divine direction and expressed will (Romans 13:1). What’s more, You have reminded me that I have nothing to fear as a law abiding citizen (Romans 13:3), though that appeared not to be the case during the Civil Rights Movement. All of these seeming contradictions tell me that there is one thing I must do and be diligent and faithful in doing it: pray.
So today, I pray for those whom You have given charge over me and my brothers and sisters. I pray for them that they might live peaceful and quiet lives, that Your Spirit would guide them in their decision making in every way. I pray that You would take what often appears to be selfish, partisan actions and behaviors and transform them into godliness and Christlikeness, that their decisions might positively impact their constituencies and result in good for all. Those who know You, I pray that You would guide their thinking, that they might honor all, especially those who differ from them in opinions, and that You would compel them to vote their conscience and not based upon party pressures. And for those who do not know You, reveal Yourself to them that they might know and understand that You are the Lord, and ultimately the decider of all things pertaining to Your people.
As for me, enable me to honor everyone. I confess, that is hard. But I know I must do it and can if I remember that all are image bearers of You. Help me to let love flow from my pores that I might reflect a fragrance of life to all who come into contact with me. And give me the words and manner to “honor the emperor” as You have commanded me, not submitting or condoning tyranny, but instead serving as You have called me to serve. I confess it is easy when the person in charge is someone I like and respect. It is a who other story when they are someone I loathe and cannot stand. Then, it must be empowered by Your Holy Spirit and my submission to Him. I yield. Have Your way. Forgive me when I am disobedient and empower me to demonstrate obedience in that area to Your glory. Amen.