1 Peter 2:16 (ESV) — Live as people who are free, not using your freedom
as a cover-up for evil, but living as servants of God.
NOTE: God wants us
to be free. This verse follows an exhortation to submit to the secular
governing authorities. You can be free and still subject to laws and rules. In
fact, I'm not sure we can be free without laws and rules. Our very ability to
do things (drive somewhere) would be inhibited by other's lawless actions
(driving on whatever side of the road the person chose). So, it is a bit of
false logic to assume freedom means no rules. Likewise, being free in Christ
does not mean we are not under law. We certainly are still under the spirit of
the law summed up in the statement to love the Lord your God with your whole
being and your neighbor as yourself. Nearly all of our actions affect our
neighbors, even the ones done in secret or private. I know that doesn't make
sense but it is true. Our secret actions will reveal themselves in time -- they
will. So, the application is to live as free men, and obey all the laws,
because our witness to others (vs 2:15) is dependent upon our obedience. The
only exception are laws in direct conflict with the commands of God.
PRAYER: Father, help
me to live as a law-abiding citizen in all that I do. The standard is
"what is the law," not "what can I get away with?" Change
the mind and heart of believers because too many of us follow the world's view
in these things.
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