July 9: Eleven Words (part 2)
Honor all people. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the king. 1 Peter 2:17
Fear God. Here we are given the foundation that is the springboard for fulfillment of the other three directives in this eleven-word verse. It is the basis for an entire way of thinking that works positively to undo that most dangerous of character flaws: pride! The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, But fools despise instruction (Proverbs 1:7).
Character traits—whether good or bad—can be contagious. In our love for the brotherhood, let us give Yahweh sincerest thanks for our God-fearing brethren. I have personally been instructed, loved, forgiven, and restored following my numerous blunders. Yes! Praise the Lord for their tender care and for the contagious motivation for me to do the same for others.
And above all things have fervent love for one another, for “love will cover a multitude of sins.” 1 Peter 4:8
The string of simple instructions in our opening verse are strongly connected. If we truly desire to live for Jesus, we will earnestly long for others to know Him. We will be ready to forgive others as the Lord has forgiven us. A balanced Christian life is meant to be like a ‘slice of heaven’ for others to taste. To seek first His kingdom and His righteousness (Matthew 6:33) means actively ‘creating an atmosphere’ that is inviting to others. In interacting with those around us, we will be Holy Spirit led to genuinely and sincerely honor all people.
The last directive, honor the king, is a simple reminder of the responsibility to pray for those in authority. Pray, regardless of your personal opinion about policies and agendas. Our confidence is this: God’s agenda is the one that will prevail. Let us remember the great lesson of the conversion of Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon. The roles of God’s people in the book of Daniel are examples to us. Once King Nebuchadnezzar was fully convinced of the love and power of Yahweh, his testimony became a precious treasure for the rest of earth’s history until the end . . .
“Now I, Nebuchadnezzar, worship, magnify, and glorify the King of Heaven. All His works are truth, all His paths are justice, and He is able to humble all who walk in pride. Daniel 8:37
The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom; A good understanding have all those who do His commandments. His praise endures forever. Psalm 111:10