One writer once said, “Almost any government is better than no government.” But perhaps you look at the political landscape of 2020 and think, “Really?” It’s easy to forget that government is a gift of God’s grace. But how—as subjects of a greater King who deserves and demands our primary obedience—are we to relate to our government? Are we to be revolutionaries, or patriots, or conscientious objectors, or constant complainers? Peter’s first letter gives us three principles for an attitude check which speak to the heart of our relationship with government.
1. Submit, don’t worship.
First, “Be subject for the Lord’s sake to every human institution”—literally to every human “creature” (1 Pet. 2:13). In Peter’s day, the Roman Emperor—the authority—was an object of worship. But Peter is clear: no human ruler is to be worshiped. Yet this practice of ruler-worship isn’t limited to the first century. Aren’t we idolaters when we will sacrifice time, money, and resources for a political party but not to advance the gospel to the ends of the earth? And what does it say about us when we speak of a mere human as an evil power that rivals God, as though the wrong election result might thwart God’s plans? Just as J. C. Ryle said, “The best of men are only men at their very best,” so, too, the worst of men are still only men at their very worst. Our leaders are mere human creatures like us. They are to enjoy our submission (1 Pet. 2:13) and our respect (1 Pet. 2:17), but not our worship.
2. Submit to every human authority.
Second, Peter doesn’t limit submission to the supreme ruler. Christians are to submit to every human authority, “whether it be to the emperor as supreme, or to governors as sent by him” (1 Pet. 2:13–14), since they all serve the same purpose. They are God’s ministers appointed “to punish those who do evil and to praise those who do good” (1 Pet. 2:14). Through his appointed governing authorities, God maintains order in the world for the common good.
Consequently, while we’re in this world, we’re to submit to all governing authorities from the top down. Of course, if there’s ever a genuine conflict between human and heavenly authority, we choose to obey God over man, as Peter did (Acts 4:18–20). Outside this qualification, however, there are no exceptions; Peter’s command is comprehensive. It doesn’t matter if those governing authorities are good or bad; if you elected them or not; if you agree with them or not. Christians are to submit to governing authorities and those authorized to speak on their behalf. God isn’t surprised by their rise to power; He put them there.
3. Submit as good citizens.
Third, we submit by being good citizens (1 Pet. 2:15–16). As God instructed the exiles in Babylon, “Seek the welfare of the city where I have sent you into exile, and pray to the Lord on its behalf, for in its welfare you will find your welfare” (Jer. 29:7). But let’s not deceive ourselves into thinking that if we just get the right candidate in office we can have “heaven on earth”—or that the “wrong” candidate will bring about the opposite. There’s only one new heavens and earth, and there’s only one heavenly King. His rule isn’t subject to a majority vote.
We worship him alone; we hope in him alone; and we serve him as we submit to those he has, in his wisdom, placed in authority over us.