Title: Honour The King.

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Scripture focus: "Honour all men. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honour the king." 1 Peter 2:17

Devotion: In a world that often thrives on rebellion, cynicism, and tearing down authority, the Apostle Peter offers a counter-cultural command: "Honour the king."
What makes this directive staggering is the context in which it was written. Peter wasn’t writing during a time of benevolent, God-fearing rulers. He wrote this under the reign of the Roman Emperor Nero—a tyrant who actively persecuted Christians. Yet, God's word does not say, "Honour the king only when you agree with his policies," or "Respect authority only if they deserve it."
  True Christian honour is not earned by the recipient; it is given out of obedience to the One who placed them there. As the Apostle Paul reinforces in Romans 13:1: "Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God."
  When we honour our leaders—whether they are presidents, bosses, teachers, or pastors—we are ultimately recognizing God’s sovereignty. We are trusting that He holds the hearts of kings in His hands (Proverbs 21:1).
However, Peter provides a crucial boundary line in the very same verse. 
   He layers our responsibilities beautifully:
 Honour all men: Give basic human dignity to everyone. Love the brotherhood: Have a deep, sacrificial love for fellow believers.
 Fear God: Hold God in the highest place of awe, reverence, and absolute obedience.
 Honour the king: Respect the position of civil authority.
Notice the distinction: We honour the king, but we fear God. Our ultimate allegiance belongs to the King of Kings. If a human authority demands that we disobey God, our choice is clear—we obey God rather than men (Acts 5:29). But until that line is crossed, our posture toward authority should be one of respect, civility, and prayer.

Reflection & Application:
How do you speak about the leaders in your life, especially the ones you disagree with? It is easy to join in the chorus of public complaining or mockery. But as followers of Christ, we are called to a higher standard. Honouring leadership doesn't mean blindly agreeing with everything they do, but it does mean choosing to respect their position and lifting them up in prayer.
Let us commit to Paul’s exhortation in 1 Timothy 2:1-2: "I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people—for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness."

Prayer: Lord, grant me a heart of humility and respect. Help me to honour the authorities You have placed over my life, even when it is difficult. Give our leaders wisdom, justice, and mercy. Remind me daily that my ultimate citizenship is in Your Kingdom, and may my respect for earthly leaders reflect my deep reverence for You. Amen.

Share your thoughts on this here and please feel free to share this with your contacts. Happy Sunday.
©Dr Joel Olanrewaju, gbemide09@gmail.com.

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