SCRIPTURE: 1Peter (NIV) 2:13 Submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every authority instituted among men: whether to the king, as the supreme authority, 14 or to governors, who are sent by him to punish those who do wrong and to commend those who do right. 15 For it is God’s will that by doing good you should silence the ignorant talk of foolish men.
16 Live as free men, but do not use your freedom as a cover-up for evil; live as servants of God. 17 Show proper respect to everyone: Love the brotherhood of believers, fear God, honor the king. 18 Slaves, submit yourselves to your masters with all respect, not only to those who are good and considerate, but also to those who are harsh.
19 For it is commendable if a man bears up under the pain of unjust suffering because he is conscious of God.
OBSERVATION: In the Bible, our temporary earthly status is of little importance in comparison to our eternal heavenly reward. Our status in this temporary place cannot limit or guarantee our status in our heavenly dwelling. In Heaven, our relationship with Christ will be all that matters, and we will be rewarded for what we have done for Him. The hardship of living in a Third World country cannot keep a person from heaven. The privilege of living in a First World country cannot keep a person out of hell. All that counts is a relationship with God through Jesus Christ.
APPLICATION: I must keep my eyes on the eternal prize. I must live as a citizen of heaven and as a servant of the King of kings. I am His representative here on earth. I must have proper respect for every person created in God’s image.
We are all working for King Jesus and we must use whatever opportunity to serve Him—our language, our possessions, our abilities, our environment, etc.
PRAYER: Holy Spirit, keep reminding me of these truths. May you enjoy my work at the muffler shop in the same way you enjoy those giving their time to work with SOAPs. Amen
Pastor Leon
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