1 Peter 2:13-25

Today's passage is the passage for the small group lesson this week. It was a really challenging topic for a sermon. Interestingly enough, it follows right on the heels of a week where we were looking at being transformed. It's almost as if Peter was saying, "and here is what I mean by being transformed: first, submit." And submission is just as much about the attitude of the heart as it is about the actual action of living according to the order of things.

Too often we show disrespect to those in authority over us. We don't like the president or we think "the other party" is a bunch of idiots. We get all upset about hot-button political issues, and if our side loses out, we instantly think about a rebellion. Rightfully so, that is how our nation was founded. But honestly, after the last couple of weeks, studying the beginning of 1 Peter, we should know that we are to live as resident aliens in the world. That means we don't rebel when everything in us says we have the right to.

Why is that so difficult for us to hear? Jesus stood up for himself and for His Father, right? True, but Jesus did not rebel. He submitted to the hands of Rome, even though there was no substance to the conviction and penalty. Jesus made an example for all of us to follow. I will not deny what is right, but if you think I should be punished for it, as a human institution of authority, you can, and I will submit. Harsh isn't it?

But it goes beyond political issues, as Peter also discusses the slave-master relationship. We don't have a clear-cut modern day example of that relationship, but I tend to relate it to employee-employer relationships. This was a lesson for me as much as anyone. Submit to your boss no matter how much a jerk they are. If you have ever worked for a jerky boss, you know what a challenge that is. Especially when it is a matter of the attitude of my heart. But again, we are called to live as resident aliens in this world. We should look different because the Kingdom we come from is different.

Why is our struggle to submit (live according to the order) so difficult? Why do you struggle with it (and I know you do)?