July 8: Eleven Words (part 1)

Honor all people. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the king. 1 Peter 2:17

These four brief directives address a broad range of situations we will encounter on any given day. Practical and easy to memorize, they are not so easily carried out. In reality, they are impossible apart from the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. John the Baptizer spoke of the baptism of repentance, but made a huge distinction between his “job” and the work that only Jesus can do: I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance, but . . . He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. (Matthew 3:11)

Honor all people. Now that’s a tall order. Those three words call for respect toward everyone. Unless you are in solitary confinement, this directive will be tested every single day. So often, the “ragged edges” of stressed, overworked people come to the forefront. A potential confrontation calls for immediate and complete dependence upon the Holy Spirit. You are now in the fire. It may have taken you by surprise, but He is not at all caught off guard. Yield to Him at once!

Love the brotherhood comes on the heels of Honor all people. How encouraging to have fellowship with like-minded people! God’s people are to be a support network, loving and caring for each other. May we never take for granted the believers around us. Healthy relationships within the fellowship of believers keep the way clear for ongoing learning, uplifting conversation, affirmations of the doctrines of Jesus. Straying to the right by adding to God’s word or to the left by disregarding selected passages (see Deuteronomy 5:32, Revelation 22:18-19) are pitfalls that we are to assist each other in avoiding. The wine of Babylon is a deadly concoction of both right and left teachings. Every one of us is commanded to overcome false doctrines. A sobering thought! We are in need of sensitivity toward one another if we are to truly overcome the challenges of living in a fallen world.

The quickest way to fortify the barrier between unbelievers and God is to exhibit negative behaviors, expressions, or even a subtle attitude of disrespect. The expansion of God’s kingdom—winning hearts to Him—is a large part of what our personal transformation is all about. God’s sanctification of His people is for the benefit of all. Each one is precious to Him. He sees in everyone the potential for heavenly citizenship.

Honor all people. Love the brotherhood. 1 Peter 2:17a