Submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every authority instituted among men: whether to the king, as the supreme authority, or to governors, who are sent by him to punish those who do wrong and to commend those who do right. For it is God’s will that by doing good you should silence the ignorant talk of foolish men. Live as free men, but do not use your freedom as a cover-up for evil; live as servants of God. Show proper respect to everyone: Love the brotherhood of believers, fear God, honor the king.” (1 Peter 2:13–17, NIV 1984).
My Musings – As far as it depends on us, we are to “live at peace with everyone.” (Romans 12:18, NIV 1984). The above passage gives some pretty sound ground rules for being able to do just this. Regrettably, it will not always depend on us. While it is God’s will, we will not always be able to “silence the ignorant talk of foolish men.” Kings and governors will not always “commend those who do right.” We will not always be able to “live as free men [and women].”
My Advice – Nevertheless, we must still “live as servants of God” and “show proper respect to everyone.” To “not be overcome by evil but overcome evil with good.” (Romans 12:21, NIV 1984).
“And now, O [Christian], what does the Lord your God ask of you but to fear the Lord your God, to walk in all his ways, to love him, to serve the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul, and to observe the Lord’s commands and decrees.” (Deuteronomy 10:12–13, NIV 1984).
The Brew Is A Musing 