I Peter 2:13 Be subject for the Lord's sake to every human institution, whether it be to the emperor as supreme, 14 or to governors as sent by him to punish those who do evil and to praise those who do good. 15 For this is the will of God, that by doing good you should put to silence the ignorance of foolish people. 16 Live as people who are free, not using your freedom as a cover-up for evil, but living as servants of God. 17 Honor everyone. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the emperor.
Peter was writing to a group of believers who were having no easy time living out their Christian faith, experiencing persecution both by religious and governmental leaders. Their freedoms were being threatened. Yet, Peter reminded them, they were free indeed. Real freedom is not being able to do what you want whenever you want to whomever you want. Those who are free in Christ are able to serve God and know that what they are doing is right, no matter what others may say or do to them. Our calling is to show everyone respect - even those who do not serve God. We are also free from selfishness to love fellow believers in a Christ-like manner, as a testimony to His transforming power. And we are free to live reverently before God, even if it violates man's law. Freedom is intended to bring Glory to God.
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