Christian Equality

I Peter 2:17-25

The Declaration of Independence states, “We hold these truths to be self evident, That all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their creator with certain inalienable rights, that among these are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.” Throughout history, people have striven to attain ascendancy over others. Whether the Shoguns of Japan, the castes of India, or the nobility of Europe, the attempt to set some above others has been universal. The establishment of the United States was an attempt to produce a society that would function on the principles of equality laid down in the Bible.

Despite their best intentions, human nature, as controlled by Satan has often resulted in corrupting the aim. Slavery, racial prejudice, and class struggles have prevailed throughout our history, to the point of viewing the very rich, or political figures as superior to others. In fact, some of the media has referred to the Kennedy family as American royalty. A Christian, with a mind directed by the Holy Spirit, rather than by Satan, should have a different attitude than the man directed by Satan.

“Honour all men. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honour the king.” (I Peter 2:17)

Every person is to be respected as God’s creation. Even our disparaging words will be judged according to Matthew 12:36. “But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment.” Jesus was very specific that there was to be no hierarchy of superiority in the church. Mark 10:42-45 is very specific. “But Jesus called them to him, and saith unto them, Ye know that they which are accounted to rule over the Gentiles exercise lordship over them; and their great ones exercise authority upon them. But so shall it not be among you: but whosoever will be great among you, shall be your minister: And whosoever of you will be the chiefest, shall be servant of all. For even the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.”

To clear up any possible misunderstanding, Matthew 20:25-28 and Luke 22:25-27 repeat the teaching. In his condemnation of the scribes and Pharisees, Jesus warned against using title that set us above others, or that turn attention to us rather than to God. Matthew 23:8-11 instructs, “But be not ye called Rabbi: for one is your Master, even Christ; and all ye are brethren. And call no man your father upon the earth: for one is your Father, which is in heaven. Neither be ye called masters: for one is your Master, even Christ. But he that is greatest among you shall be your servant.” We are to love as brothers and sisters. Titles set one above another, and inhibit real brotherly love.

Cooperation among people is required for many purposes, and willingly allowing someone else to direct us to maximize our efforts is necessary. A Christian should submit even more readily, recognizing that God puts men in a position to achieve his purpose.

“Servants, be subject to your masters with all fear; not only to the good and gentle, but also to the froward. For this is thankworthy, if a man for conscience toward God endure grief, suffering wrongfully. For what glory is it, if, when ye be buffeted for your faults, ye shall take it patiently? but if, when ye do well, and suffer for it, ye take it patiently, this is acceptable with God.” (I Peter 2:18-20)

Not every person in a position of authority exercises it as a Christian should. Some take unfair advantage, play favorites, make false accusations and cheat on pay. As a Christian, we need to be willing to yield, and trust God to make things right as he has promised. Christ set us an example we should follow, even taking the blame for things he was not guilty of for our sakes.

“For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps: Who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth: Who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not; but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously: Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed.” (I Peter 2:21-24)

It was Christ’s willingness to take the blame for our sins, and suffer the punishment in our place that enabled us to be saved. He had done no sin himself and everything he suffered was on our account. Rather than getting angry or retaliating, we should recognize our opportunity to demonstrate his nature to others. There should be a change in our attitude when we have turned back to Christ, our shepherd or ‘pastor’ and Bishop or ‘overseer.’

“For ye were as sheep going astray; but are now returned unto the Shepherd and Bishop of your souls.” (I Peter 2:25)

An unwillingness to put up with some trials and difficulties implies a lack of submission to God.