Life’s greatest challenges come when we believe we’ve been wronged, disrespected or are forced to submit to an authority with whom or which we don’t agree or respect. Be it submitting to an unjust boss or somebody who has lied or been unfair concerning you, God is testing you to see if you can keep your emotions in check, maintain humility and acknowledge His ultimate sovereignty and authority as you place your trust in Him.
He does allow what happens to happen, even when it appears to be wrong. You must see your submission as honoring God; even a testimony. We live in an unredeemed world, but have opportunity to place our faith in the ultimate Redeemer.
RELEVANCE
We’ve all experienced those who seem to be called to be our “holy sandpaper.” They rub us the wrong way, at times causing great pain, but serve as God’s messenger in one way or another to smooth out our rough edges.
Peter learned some hard lessons. You can read how he was predisposed to acting tempestuously. Three times He denied knowing Jesus, and also cut the ear of the high priest’s servant who came to take Jesus away. In time, though, he saw God’s greater purposes and learned wisdom to pass onto the world.
“Therefore submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord’s sake, whether to the king as supreme, or to governors, as to those who are sent by him for the punishment of evildoers and for the praise of those who do good. For this is the will of God, that by doing good you may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men — as free, yet not using liberty as a cloak for vice, but as bondservants of God. Honor all people. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the king” (1 Peter 2:13-17).
REFLECT AND RELATE
Every time and place along the journey of life offers an opportunity to represent the Lord and honor Him. In honoring Him you walk in honor—in Him—in His honor.
REFERENCES
1 Samuel 24:6-7; Romans 2:1-11; 12:9-21; Ephesians 6:5-9