1 Peter 2:13-17
 
We are now in the “practical” section of Peter’s letter that focuses on how we are to live. Pastor Dave noted that the command at the heart of this week’s passage – submit to civil authority – is a hot topic that doesn’t sit well with us. But every one of us needs to humble ourselves before the Lord and ask whether we are submitting to civil authorities as God commands. Before the Lord, ask: Do I think this command is for someone else (I hope they’re listening!), not for me? Do I think that this command could not possibly apply to our time and our government or that I am somehow exempt from it? Is there a specific issue of civil authority I am resisting? Do I submit, but with lots of grumbling and complaining?  As the Holy Spirit convicts, repent and ask for strength and courage to change.
 
God, through the apostle Peter, also commands us to honor, or show proper respect for, those in authority over us. Dave taught that we are allowed to disagree with our leaders, but we’re not allowed to mock them. But how often we do! We laugh at a meme that makes fun of a political leader and pass it along via social media. We say things about the president or governor that we would never say to his face. When we Christians mock and disrespect, we sully God’s reputation. Lord, help us live as Your servants in every arena of life, including politics. Help us honor You by honoring and respecting the people You have placed in authority over us, whether we like them or not.
 
God intends government to punish those who do evil and commend those who do good (verse 14), but government sometimes seems to call evil good and good evil (Isaiah 5:20). What do we do with that? Dave stressed that God will take care of justice for poor rulers; that’s His job. Our job is to submit to our rulers. However, in politics and in many other areas of life, we try to do God’s job ourselves. I talked recently with a friend who also has an adult child who has disavowed the Christian faith. We agreed that it is easy to fall prey to the temptation to use human methods of persuasion or manipulation to return the wayward sheep to the Lord’s fold. Our efforts are fruitless because that’s God’s job. Lord, in any problem I face, don’t let me grab the reins and try to do Your job. Help me trust You to do the work in Your way and Your time.
 
Calvary Family
 
Thank God for the successful Christmas boutique last Saturday sponsored by Women’s Ministries. The weather was perfect, the vendors had plenty of customers, and many people stopped by the Fostering Hope booth and learned something about the world of foster children.
 
One verse of the song “Emmanuel” we sang on Sunday says, “Take heart, O weary soul, take heart…” Let’s pray for the weary souls among us – those whose souls are weary because of chronic illness, chronic conflict, never-ending trouble, or just life in a fallen world where things aren’t the way they’re supposed to be. Pray that weary souls will take heart this Advent season and rejoice because Jesus has, and will, overcome all.

 In Christ,
Carol Gilbert

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