“Show proper respect to everyone, love the family of believers, fear God, honor the emperor” (1 Peter 2:17 NIV).
Peter’s instructions to his readers seem quite sensible—until we realise that the emperor at the time, Nero, was a violent, cruel king. Nero persecuted Christians, feeding many of them to lions and burning others as torches to illuminate the streets of Rome.
Peter’s words would have been difficult to accept if Christians were focused on the evil leader they were told to honour. But the apostle was telling them to do so for one reason—for the Lord’s sake (1 Peter 2:13). He believed in God’s sovereignty over all governments and kingdoms of the earth.
For the Lord’s sake, let’s refrain from blaming or condemning our government, especially on social media. For the Lord’s sake, let’s remember our calling as citizens both of the kingdom of heaven and of this world, and “live such good lives” (1 Peter 2:12). For the Lord’s sake, let’s pay our taxes and continue to pray for our government and nation.
Let’s celebrate Independence Day by being a blessing to our fellow citizens of Indonesia. Merdeka!
Serving for the Lord’s sake,
Netty Susanto
Executive Director
ODB Indonesia
