1 Peter 2:11-17

 11Dear friends, I urge you, as aliens and strangers in the world, to abstain from
sinful desires, which war against your soul. 12Live such good lives among the
pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good
deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us.
 13Submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every authority instituted among
men: whether to the king, as the supreme authority, 14or to governors, who
are sent by him to punish those who do wrong and to commend those who do
right. 15For it is God’s will that by doing good you should silence the ignorant talk
of foolish men. 16Live as free men, but do not use your freedom as a cover-up
for evil; live as servants of God. 17Show proper respect to everyone: Love the
brotherhood of believers, fear God, honor the king.
21To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an
example, that you should follow in his steps.

Meditation:
1. Early Christians were at times criticized as misfits because they did not take
part in worship at social events honouring the Emperor or state deities.
Yet, the earliest investigation by Roman authorities reports that in Christian
meetings they bound themselves by oath to live good lives, to pray for the
Emperor, and to obey the authorities.
2. A life of submission to authorities will not prevent us from being slandered
or unfairly treated.  But using our freedom to live as God’s servant in our
society, to be good citizens in our community, will surely win praises from
people and bring glory to God.
3. What can I do to be good citizen of my city, province and nation?  What are
the things I need to do but haven’t done?  Ask God to help me.

Personal Note:
Our natural sinful desires want us to disobey authorities (government, bosses, teachers, parents, etc).  It is unfortunate that many who called themselves followers of Christ are making excuses for not submitting to authorities.  To reflect our love for Christ and to be a good witness for Christ, let us be obedient to authorities out of the freedom we have in Christ.