Not of This WorldSample

Day 6: Called to Imitate Christ

Have you personally encountered unjust situations before, caused by those with authority over you? Perhaps you were blindsided by your manager so he could receive the credit for your hard work, or you were sidelined for an opportunity or promotion unreasonably.

We all have different God-appointed authorities over us. These are individuals who play roles of leadership in our lives, be it in the government, in our homes, schools, workplaces or in the church. When we encounter bad authorities and have to bear the brunt and pain of injustice done to us by them, how should we as believers respond? The world teaches us to repay an eye for an eye but God calls us to submit to “every human authority” (1 Peter 2:13), regardless of what they do to us.

In today’s text, Peter continues his exhortation of submission to human authority specifically to his audience, who were slaves working in their master’s household at that time. Peter reminded them that whether their masters were good and kind or harsh and unreasonable, God calls them to be set apart in their response. The injustice of earthly authorities should not be an excuse to rebel against them and sin as it displeases God.

Peter points them to consider Christ’s example, who remained sinless when bearing the insults and beatings of unjust human authorities. He encourages them to live being “conscious of God”, living with awareness of the presence of God, as their motivation to patiently endure the suffering they are going through.

If you are going through trials, or unjust accusations because of individuals with authority over you, how do you imitate the example that Christ has demonstrated for us? There will be struggles with anger and bitterness, and we may even feel justified to hold on to our unforgiveness towards them. But as followers of Christ, we can hold on to the truth that God sees what we are going through and is just to judge fairly in His time. Holding on to this hope, we look to Christ who himself is the Suffering Servant (Isaiah 53), as our model and motivation to live according to God’s ways.

We take heart that God is the authority that we are submitting to above all. He is a Master who is just, a Shepherd who laid down his own life for his sheep, and the most vigilant Overseer who is ever watching over our welfare.

Prayer points:

• Consider Jesus who chose to endure sufferings even though He was sinless: What do you think went through His mind during His sufferings? How can you imitate Christ in your thoughts and motivations?
• As you follow God’s call to submit to authorities over you, prayerfully think of how you can serve them in your workplace, schools, homes better.

Listen:

All Hail King Jesus – Bethel Music x Upper Room (feat. David Funk, Jenn Johnson)