Honor the king. (1 Pet. 2:17)


MY INBOX WAS FULL AGAIN. People were forwarding e-mails filled with anger and hate against the latest injustices done by political candidates. With the presidential election looming, everyone scrambled to have the last word, and I was right in the middle of it.

“Oh, that’s a good one.”

My finger hit send. I had become impassioned too. The more dirt I could find, the more I wanted to sling it.

When my least favorite candidate won, I was dazed. Why couldn’t others see through his façade? Couldn’t they see his flaws too?

Romans 13:1–7 says political authorities are instituted by God. They are given power to implement their duties for a limited time. We are to honor them so we can have a clear conscience before God.

Titus 3:1–2 says to slander no one. I may not agree with everyone in authority, but God calls me to show respect and honor to the office he or she bears. God will hold each official accountable.

What is the difference between honoring and being loyal to someone? Maybe it’s an attitude, a perspective that understands our citizenship is in heaven. We will one day stand before the King of Kings and Lord of Lords and give an account for our actions. He asks us to show proper respect.

Find a way to respectfully serve someone in authority today.

Sally Ferguson and her husband enjoy treasure hunting together at garage sales.