Submission Without Fear

Fear. Our nation is infested with it. Fear of authority, fear of imposition, fear for life, fear of tomorrow. Fear is birthing hate, pride, and mourning. God has not called His exiles to a life of fear.

1 Peter is a book about hope and submission. In view of the living hope sealed in us by the Holy Spirit for an imperishable inheritance, we are free to submit. We have the opportunity to choose to submit to governing authority, earthly masters, in social institutions, in the home, in the church, and before our mighty God.

"Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you at the proper time, casting all your anxiety on Him; because He cares for you." 1 Peter 5:6-7

Believers love verse 7. We claim it in every situation from fiery persecution to flat tires. We like the idea of a place to hoist off our anxiety, a God who takes all the heavy grief. But examining this verse in the context of the entire book of 1 Peter we see the incredible hope and firm foundation, which enables us to submit in the most unjust and terrifying of situations.

He cares for us. Real compassionate concern over our well-being. The mighty God cares for us. The God who sees all things, knows all things, judges justly even the intentions of the heart, the omnipotent One loves us.

Submission carries inherent anxiety for creatures determined to follow the idols of self. Submission is the opposite of every inclination of our heart.  But time and again Peter reminds us that we submit not to the glory of man, not to our own glory, but all to the glory of God. In injustice, in persecution, in suffering we submit because the mighty one cares, and He has given us hope. When we humble ourselves under human authority, we show reverence for God's order and plan. And we show absolute faith that He is the mighty One, who cares for us.

Jesus Christ, the righteous One, the One man in history alone who did not deserve to suffer, "while being reviled, He did not revile in return; while suffering, He uttered no threats, but kept entrusting Himself to Him who judges righteously" (1 Peter 2:23). Jesus Christ submitted to death, the greatest injustice in eternity, for God's glory by faith that God cares.

In light of this one more quote from 1 Peter: "Submit yourselves for the Lord's sake to every human institution, whether to a king as the one in authority, or to governors as sent by him for the punishment of evildoers and the praise of those who do right. For such is the will of God that by doing right you may silence the ignorance of foolish men. Act as free men, and do not use your freedom as a covering for evil, but use it as bondslaves of God. Honor all people, love the brotherhood, fear God, honor the king."

Does the thought of willing placing yourself under authority cause you anxiety? Believe that your God is both mighty and caring. Do you wonder what to do with your state of privilege in an unjust world? Honor all people (make great effort toward their honor), love your brothers, fear God, honor the king. Honor in public, honor in private, honor in deed, honor in word.