A Life Of Honor

Acts 4:13-22

Peter and John replied, “Do you think God wants us to obey you rather than him?” (Acts 4:19)

PETER AND JOHN HEALED a crippled beggar, took advantage of the occasion to preach, and were arrested for creating a stir. The next day they were released, but with a warning not to spread their “propaganda any further” (Acts 4:17). Of course, they were compelled by the Spirit and their own convictions to keep declaring the message they had received and the works God was doing. So they and other apostles were arrested again, miraculously released, and then brought before the authorities. In each case, their response to the council was that God was a higher authority than human beings, and they had to obey him above all (see 5:29).

In one sense, the apostles clearly defied human authorities by violating their instructions. In another, they submitted to those authorities, recognizing that their violations would result in punishments they were willing to pay. They attempted no overthrows, encouraged no riots, and intended no disrespect. They simply did what God told them to do and accepted the consequences.

You have likely discovered in your walk with God a tension between his will for your life and the social, cultural, and legal constraints placed upon you. In every situation in which that tension is evident, you have had a choice to make: to follow God or human expectations. In most cases, you have probably been able to do both; we are called to serve God the best we can within the parameters set by civil authorities (Romans 13:1-5). But there are times when respectful defiance is necessary, with the understanding that we may have to endure unwanted consequences. Our ultimate allegiance is always and forever to God.

Never live with a flippant attitude toward the civil authorities of your society and the social order. There is a significant difference between defying authority because you dislike it and defying authority because you are following a higher one. The latter points to God; the former merely points to self and dishonors God, self, and others. Honor him above all else, while honoring others wherever and whenever you can.

{Lord, may I live up to the calling you have given me in every situation, even when I have to go against society’s wishes. But help me to remember that part of your calling is a lifestyle of honor. Help me give honor wherever and however I can. Amen.