Daily Thought

It is only as we respond to the call to be holy that we will view our relationship to the world in the right way. We will see ourselves as ‘strangers and pilgrims’, 2. 11, i. e., those who are travelling home to heaven. As such, our lives ought to be distinctive; therefore, we must abstain from the strong desires of the old nature within us. Our lives should be of such a character among unbelievers that, in spite of their accusations against us, they are led to glorify God. To this end, we must display a submissive spirit.

Firstly, we must be responsible citizens by submitting ‘to every ordinance (institution) of man for the Lord’s sake’, v. 13. It is the Lord’s will that we silence our opponents by submitting to all levels of government. Our liberty in Christ must never be interpreted as a licence to do as we please. A submissive spirit will lead us to honour all men, love our fellow believers, reverence God, and honour the king.

Secondly, we must be submissive in the workplace. Our conduct as employees should be exemplary, whether our employer is just or unjust. It is one thing to suffer patiently when we deserve it, but quite another to ‘endure grief, suffering wrongfully’, v. 19. This is acceptable with God and glorifies Him.

Thirdly, we must be submissive in the home. Christian wives must submit to their husbands, even if they are unbelievers. It is their ‘meek and quiet spirit’ that will win them over, not outward appearance and words, 3. 4. Old Testament women, e. g. Sarah, displayed such a spirit. Husbands must honour their wives, recognizing the eternal spiritual relationship that links them together. If they do not, their prayer life will be hindered.

Christ has left us the perfect example. His actions were without sin and His words without deceit, yet He was reviled and suffered. He was never vindictive, but committed everything into the hands of God, the righteous Judge. His submission to suffering has given us spiritual healing. He is our Example, our Substitute, our Saviour, our Shepherd, and our Overseer. If He bore our sins on the tree, those sins ought now to be absent from our lives as we submit to the word of God.