The last half of chapter two, in this book of I Peter, lays down principles which are very difficult for those of us who live in this world to accept. Our
natural human instincts rebel against injustice. When we are mistreated we want to retaliate and punish the miscreant . Every abuse we receive, no matter
how small, must be vindicated, or we feel our rights have been denied and our personal identity insulted. It is hard for us to think otherwise for that is the dominant philosophy of our culture. To believe in a principle of life which denies us the satisfaction of "getting even", graphically points out the vast difference in the Kingdom of Heaven and the pagan world in which we live.
The all-wise God of Heaven intended for men to live in ordered societies, with rulers to keep the peace, punish the wrong-doers and protect the innocent.
It is true that many rulers are false to that calling, but that does not argue that we should destroy the system. The
alternative would be anarchy, where might makes right, and only the most rapacious and powerful would be in control. "Honor the King" does not mean respect a despot. It simply means uphold
the system, don't be a rabble-rouser or a rebel, don't destroy the law just because its enforcers mistreat you personally. God is saying that His people
are people of peace and goodness, not self-serving rebels nor social activists.
This is especially hard for those of us who live in America, where so many equate social activism with Christian responsibility. Peter denies this in no
uncertain terms. In our time, we have known those who believed in passive, quiet reaction to injustice, and who tried to make their goodness and love of
their fellowman the dominant characteristics of their lives. God does not want us to effect change by force and power, but by goodness and love. These factors are scoffed at and rejected by a society which does not hold God's holiness as its ultimate goal.
It is important to understand that Peter is not endorsing slavery in his admonitions to those in slavery. He is only speaking to the problem of humble submission and personal integrity and goodness, regardless of the circumstances in which you find yourself. Of course, his example was that of Jesus, who, when reviled, did not fight back, and when mistreated, did not retaliate. He could have called legions of angels to His defense, and we would have cheered as the miscreants were dispatched, but He did not. Upholding goodness, peace and love was much more important than personal justice and satisfaction. Fighting back might win the battle of the moment, but calm forbearance and submissive humility establish a principle for all men for all eternity.
It is a hard lesson for us earthlings to accept, but it is the emphatic lesson of Peter's letter, and it reflects the actions and the will of the Master.
