Love the Brotherhood .... Fear God .... Honor the King (or President)

 It has been framed as a contest between the “worst person ever” and the “most unintelligent woman,” with each side claiming the other is a “threat to democracy.” One thing remains clear: this has been another vile display of how not to behave.

No matter how harshly people treat each other, I am grateful to serve a King, not a president.

In the first verse of 1 Peter 2, Peter begins by instructing us to “put aside” five traits, starting with one that takes me back to childhood. Back then, using “bad words” was strictly forbidden—just the threat of the proverbial bar of soap kept me in line. But we could say “caca” for some reason. Interestingly, the Greek word Peter uses here is κακία (kakia), meaning evil or malice. Close enough to caca for me! We’re to “put aside” all forms of caca, so to speak—not malign others or act without shame in breaking moral laws. It means to avoid pure evil in both action and intent.

Sadly, this word may be the best descriptor for certain candidates for office. But I digress! As a follower of Christ, I am personally called to put aside these very traits.

Peter goes on, listing deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and slander. Lord, help me put these aside! Yet, how often do we see adults exhibit the exact opposite of these virtues? Rarely! Peter instructs us to be like newborns, longing for pure spiritual milk. This should be the goal for each of us who follow Christ, our Living Cornerstone.

Scripture often uses an imperative tense, which gives weight to commands. In this chapter, Peter employs six imperatives, beginning with ἐπιποθέω, or “to greatly desire.” This longing for spiritual milk is meant to help us grow in salvation, the very gift Christ offers through the cross.

The second imperative Peter uses is ὑποτάσσω, meaning “to line up under” or “to be subject to” all human authority—yes, even lowercase kings. This can be challenging, especially if the person in power is not our choice.

Today is the morning of November 6, 2024, the day after the U.S. election. I’ve chosen not to check the results yet; at this moment, I don’t know who the nation has chosen. It will be what it will be, and I hope those in authority fulfill their duty to punish evil and promote good.

Our task, however, is laid out in verse 17: Honor, Love, Fear, Honor. The first command to honor applies to all, regardless of our differences. Interestingly, “honor” has a heightened significance when it comes to authority. The Fifth Commandment and Paul’s words in Ephesians 6 both state, “Honor your father and mother,” the first commandment with a promise. Authority deserves honor; we’re not commanded to love those in power.

Love, however, is specific to the brotherhood of believers. Again, honor is for authority, while love is reserved for fellow Christians. This theme of loving one another permeates the New Testament. As Jesus says in John 13:34, “A new commandment I give you, that you love one another.” And in 1 John 4:11: “If God so loved us, we also ought to love one another.” Paul reiterates in Romans 13:8: “Owe nothing to anyone except to love one another.” Even Peter, earlier in this letter, commands, “Fervently love one another from the heart.”

So, I ask, will Christians—whether Democrat, Republican, Independent, or otherwise—truly be able to “love one another,” no matter who our next president may be? More importantly, can I live up to this call?

Peter continues: “Fear God.” While scripture often instructs us to honor and love God, here Peter emphasizes our need to revere Him. This reverence is due to the Almighty, the One who has brought the message of salvation to us (Acts 13:26).

And now, who has won the election? I’ll soon find out. Regardless, my reverence belongs to the Creator, our Redeemer, and I’ll honor the new president—whoever they may be.