I have really been struggling with this since Tuesday morning and to put it bluntly, I must make some changes in my life and in the things I set my focus on. These few verses have really opened my eyes to my poor (read: misguided) focus on who is in Washington and to be honest, it MUST change. I must thank the Lord for this powerful revelation and Rev Tom Swihart for following God’s leading to speak this boldly to our camp at Mardi Gras this year with No Greater Love Ministries:
“Submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every human authority: whether to the emperor, 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 people. Live as free people, but do not use your freedom as a cover-up for evil; live as God’s slaves. Show proper respect to everyone, love the family of believers, fear God, honor the emperor.” – 1 Peter 2:13-17
Wow … talk about how I’ve been focusing on all the WRONG things and missing the most important which is this: I must honor God with my life, which includes what I spend my time on and what I consider “important”. Paul said, “Am I now trying to win the approval of men, or of God? Or am I trying to please men? If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a servant of Christ” (Galatians 1:10).
It really is a challenge to remember that nothing happens in this world without God’s knowledge, and so He already knows whether I complain or not. My focus is to be on Him and Him alone. Prayerfully, I will be able to realize this … and practice it. God has called me to be His servant, not to be the world’s herald of what’s wrong with our leaders, but to pray for them and show them the same GRACE that I have received.
Lord Jesus help me to serve, and focus solely on, You.
Pastor T.J. Conwell 