The desire to be accepted and at ease is so great within our natures that we often may be tempted to make the kingdoms of this earth our home. But Christian friends, Peter explains that believers in Christ are a holy nation with a citizenship in heaven. Can the kingdoms of this earth offer a meaningful identity or a lasting rest to match this? True meaning and rest can only be found in Christ. Keep looking to him!
9) But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God's own possession, that you may proclaim the excellence of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light. 10) In the past, you were not a people, but now are God's people, who had not obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy.
11) Beloved, I beg you as foreigners and pilgrims, to abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul; 12) having good behavior among the nations, so in that of which they speak against you as evildoers, they may by your good works, which they see, glorify God in the day of visitation.
13) Therefore subject yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord's sake: whether to the king, as supreme; 14) or to governors, as sent by him for vengeance on evildoers and for praise to those who do well. 15) For this is the will of God, that by well-doing you should put to silence the ignorance of foolish men: 16) as free, and not using your freedom for a cloak of wickedness, but as bondservants of God.
17) Honor all men. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the king.1 Peter 2:9-17 (WEB)
Furthermore, until that wonderful day when we see Christ and each other face to face and enter that heavenly rest we are to live as strangers in this world, honor all men, and especially honor the king. Note that Peter adds no exceptions here regarding good and evil kings and governments. We are to honor the king and be subject to the government whether good or evil, respectfully disobeying government regulations that violate Christian conscience only.
