These commands are hard for Christians to follow today as well.  For American Christians, they’re hard to obey even though – let’s be honest – we do not face nearly as severe persecution from our government due to the First Amendment as the early church did from Rome.  In fact, it is because of the First Amendment and the freedom of speech it gives us that we find it very hard to do what God wants us to do in this passage.  Because we have freedom of speech, we might think it an obligation to not just vocalize our disagreement with those in power, but to do so in ways that lie, slander, mock and insult both them and their families.  Sin is breaking the laws of God (1 John 3:4; Rom. 4:15b).  God never said not to disagree with governing authorities, but He has commanded to never dishonor them and to submit to them.  The only exception He gave is if they specifically and directly order us to do the opposite of what God commanded us to do (cf. Acts 5:27-29).  Therefore, we can “live as people who are free”…but let’s make sure to never “use (our) freedom as a cover-up for evil” (2:16).… Read More 1 Peter: Honor WHO, Peter? Are You Kidding Me?!?!