Be A True Citizen

Devotion for Thursday March 8, 2018

Topic: Be A True Citizen

Text: 1 Peter 2:13 – 17                          

For the sake of peaceful coexistence and unity, there is always the need to have a government. Can you imagine what our society will look like if we don’t have government at all whether traditional or civil? 

To show what Christianity is all about, Peter urges us to live well among others especially unbelievers by submitting ourselves to ordinances of men for God sake 1 Peter 2:13. He asserts that Christian conducts must be honest through a just and careful discharge of all relative duties. He maintains that having regard to those duties is the will of God and consequently the Christians’ duty which will silence the base slanders of ignorant and foolish men. He charged us to endeavour, in all relations, to behave rightly, that we do not make our liberty a cloak or covering for any wickedness or for the neglect of duty; but we must remember that we are servants of God. 

Therefore, it is our duty to show respect to all people (1 Peter 2:17). According to Family Bible Notes, “True religion teaches us to conduct with propriety in all conditions and relations of life, and to exercise those feelings towards others which we ought to wish others to exercise towards us.” The exhortation of Peter in verse 17 is fundamental to our living in harmony and having a clear conscience towards people. It embodies the summary of the law (compare Mark 12:30, 31; Romans 13:9). 

Our duties consist in reverencing kings, in obeying their lawful commands, in a cheerful payment of our taxes, in praying affectionately for them, and in praising God for the blessing of their government. Are you truly doing these?

Sing A&M 295; Abu 205

Food for Thought: Civil power is of God and thus we have duties to constituted authorities.

Memory verse: 1 Peter 2:17

Prayer: God, make me a faithful and true citizen in Jesus name. Amen\

TRUE CITIZENS: Devotion for Wednesday February 3, 2016

TRUE CITIZENS       Wednesday February 3, 2016

Text: 1 Peter 2:13 – 17    Memory verse: v 17

In order to live well among others especially unbelievers, we are to submit ourselves to ordinances of men for God sake according to Peter’s position in 2:13. Peter distinctly asserts that Christian conducts must be honest; which it cannot be, if there is not a just and careful discharge of all relative duties. Regard to those duties is the will of God, consequently, the Christian's duty, and the way to silence the base slanders of ignorant and foolish men. We must endeavour, in all relations, to behave rightly (see the devotion for Tuesday February 2, 2016), that we do not make our liberty a cloak or covering for any wickedness or for the neglect of duty; but we must remember that we are servants of God.

It is our duty to show respect to all people (2:17). According to Family Bible Notes, 

“True religion teaches us to conduct with propriety in all conditions and relations of life, and to exercise those feelings towards others which we ought to wish others to exercise towards us.” The exhortation of Peter in 2:17 is fundamental to our living in harmony and having a clear conscience towards people. It embodies the summary of the law (see Mk 12:30, 31; Rom 13:9). Are you a true citizen? Our duty consists in reverencing kings, in obeying their lawful commands, in a cheerful payment of our dues, in praying affectionately for them, and in praising God for the blessing of their government. Are you truly doing these? That makes us as good citizens.

Food for Thought: Civil power is of God and thus we have a duty to constituted authorities.

Prayer: God, make me a faithful and true citizen in Jesus name.

BE CAREFUL HOW YOU BEHAVE: Devotion for Tuesday February 2, 2016

BE CAREFUL HOW YOU BEHAVE     Tuesday February 2, 2016

Text: 1 Peter 2:11 – 12                 Memory verse: v 12 

Our behaviour matters so much for so many reasons. It is the bible some people may have the only opportunity to read. It also speaks of the level of our Christianity. It can make or mar our Christianity too. For these reasons it is very important Christians should be mindful of their behaviour. 

Peter gives a reason why we ought to live holy, that is, because we are citizens of heaven. Therefore, we ought to live not according to the laws of this world, which is most corrupt, but of the heavenly city, although we are strangers here. Lust can be habitual or actual. By habitual lust, it means an aversion to everything that is good, and a proneness to all evil. By actual lust are those conversant about sensual and fleshly objects. Holiness is a necessity for our seeing God and should not be compromised because the city we are hoping for doesn’t accommodate lustful souls.

This admonition is very apt judging from the level of evil, vices, and corruption of our time. Behaviour is contagious and we are prone to easily copy evil more than good. Our conduct must be honest among Christians and also unbelievers (1 Pet 3:16). This is one way we can shine as light (Matt 5:16). Paul also gave similar exhortation in Phil 2:15. Here, our behaviour includes words of our mouth, thought of our hearts, our appearance and the way we react to people. What can you say about your behaviour? Is it Christ-like?

Food for Thought: Good manners are the art of making those people easy with whom we converse.

Prayer: Lord, make my conduct conformable to yours in Jesus name.