Power

Stop.

Close your eyes and breathe. As you breathe in, say “I honor my God.” As you breathe out, say “I honor all people.” Repeat as many times as you need.

Listen.

As servants of God, live as free people, yet do not use your freedom as a pretext for evil. Honor everyone. Love the family of believers. Fear God. Honor the emperor. – 2 Peter 2:16-17

Reflect.

Earlier this week, we talked about how the book of Romans gives one example of a text that can be misused if people want to overemphasize obedience to earthly rulers. This passage from 2 Peter is another one. Remember as well that in this time, kings and emperors were considered appointed by a god. After all, who could argue that the man with the most power in the known world had anyone other than a deity on his side?  

Throughout history, we learn more about the nuances of who has power and why. We know that those in power aren’t always altruistic, are often concerned more with consolidating power than serving the people, and that faithful believers might actually find cause to protest and rise up when leaders serve out-of-keeping with morality and ethics. However, we also know that governments can provide protection, care, and freedom for people and can truly do God’s work. 

So which is it? If 2 Peter tells us to “Fear God. Honor the emperor,” what does a Christian do when she suspects she can’t do both? 

Tomorrow, our country celebrates Independence Day. We recognize that this country, which we treasure especially for its freedoms, came into being because of rebellion, disobedience, and war. We recognize the complex nature of a country which, at its inception, declared that all men were created equal – but denied rights to men who weren’t white or native-born or to women. We recognize that our faith calls us to serve God alone, but that we must also be obedient to the laws of our land, but even worse, that sometimes we can’t do both. 

One of the most helpful things about this short little verse is the instruction, “Live as free people, yet do not use your freedom as a pretext for evil.” We know we are free, not merely because of our nationality, but because of our faith in the God who sent Jesus Christ to save all people. Because we are free, we will never, ever abuse our power. We will seek only to ensure the freedom of others, even if they don’t share our faith or nationality. We must never use our faith as an excuse to hurt or oppress others. While our faith and our fealty might sometimes come in conflict, when we return to the command to never do evil and to always love and serve, we begin to find our way. 

May this Fourth of July give you space to love, serve, and seek freedom for all in God’s name so that you, servant of God, might be truly free.

Pray.

I thank you, God, for this country and the people in it you have sent me to serve. Keep me obedient to you so I won’t be tempted to misuse the power and freedom you have granted me. Bless this country, its leaders, and all who serve that together we would make your love known. Amen.

Carry On.

How will you celebrate the Fourth of July this year? How can you make it an expression of your religious faith as well?