CHRISTIAN INTEGRITY IN POLITICS

WHY DIDN’T WORMS GET ON THE ARK IN APPLES? BECAUSE THEY HAD TO GO IN PAIRS

Peter 2:11–17 (ESV)

Beloved, I urge you as sojourners and exiles to abstain from the passions of the flesh, which wage war against your soul. Keep your conduct among the Gentiles honorable, so that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day of visitation.

Be subject for the Lord’s sake to every human institution, whether it be to the emperor as supreme, or to governors as sent by him to punish those who do evil and to praise those who do good. For this is the will of God, that by doing good you should put to silence the ignorance of foolish people. Live as people who are free, not using your freedom as a cover-up for evil, but living as servants of God. Honor everyone. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the emperor.

Introduction: A Kingdom Identity in a Political World

In today’s increasingly polarized political climate, Christians face the challenge of living out their faith while engaging in the civic responsibilities of their nations. In 1 Peter 2:11-17, the apostle Peter provides guidance for believers, teaching how to live with integrity amid a world often hostile to Christian values. At the heart of his message is a call for Christians to remember their true identity—as sojourners and exiles, citizens of heaven—and how that identity shapes their behavior in political affairs.

1. Recognizing Our True Citizenship (v. 11)

Peter begins by reminding the believers that they are “sojourners and exiles” in this world. The Greek word paroikos (translated as “sojourners”) conveys the idea of one who lives in a foreign land temporarily. Similarly, parepidēmos (translated as “exiles”) refers to someone residing in a place that is not their homeland. These terms emphasize that, while Christians may live in and engage with earthly nations, their ultimate citizenship is in the Kingdom of God (Philippians 3:20).

Philippians 3:20 ESV

But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ,

As such, Christians are called to live with an eternal perspective, not becoming overly entangled in the passions of the world, including political ideologies that may distract from their higher calling. Peter urges believers to “abstain from the passions of the flesh, which wage war against your soul.” These passions can include not only sinful desires but also the pride, anger, and divisiveness that can arise in the heat of political discourse. Christian integrity requires that our primary loyalty is to Christ’s kingdom and His values.

1 Peter: A Commentary on First Peter (2:11–12; Thwarting False Accusations by Good Behavior)

Christians who lack the legal rights and social standing as do exiles and aliens, and who are thus open to harassment on all sides, are to make sure their behavior does not give others an excuse to perpetrate such abuse. There is embodied here the conviction, also given voice in 3:13* (13 Now who is there to harm you if you are zealous for what is good? . Php 4:13. (13 I can do all things through him who strengthens me.) that behavior appropriate for Christians will also be recognized as appropriate by nonbelievers, and thus will tend not only to blunt harassment and persecution but also to win over some of those who oppose them (e.g., 3:1–2*).8 Indeed, such behavior will allow the Christians to fulfill the mandate of 2:9*, because such lives will in the end be effective “to announce the marvelous deeds of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.” Such a hope-filled view of the effect of the good lives of the Christians does not blind the author to the reality of Christian suffering, however; he knows Christians are open to persecution even when they do display decent and acceptable behavior (e.g., 2:20b*; 3:14*, 17*). Yet however their good behavior may be received, Christians must persevere in it, lest they lose their promised participation in Christ’s glory, a point made more explicit in the body closing.

2. Living Honorably Among the Nations (v. 12)

In verse 12, Peter calls believers to “keep your conduct among the Gentiles honorable.” The word kalos here for “honorable” can also be understood as “noble” or “excellent.” Christians must strive to live in such a way that even those who oppose them cannot find fault with their behavior. This is critical in the political arena, where accusations and slander are common tools.

Peter’s emphasis on good conduct aligns with Jesus’ teaching in Matthew 5:16: “Let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.” The goal of Christian engagement in politics is not to win arguments or dominate opponents but to reflect the character of Christ. By doing so, we witness to the world of God’s goodness, drawing others toward the gospel.

3. Submitting to Human Institutions for the Lord’s Sake (vv. 13-14)

One of the more challenging aspects of Christian integrity in politics is submission to governmental authorities. Peter writes, “Be subject for the Lord’s sake to every human institution,” whether to emperors or governors. At the time Peter wrote this, Christians were under the rule of the Roman Empire, often hostile to their faith. Yet, Peter exhorts them to submit to authorities as long as it does not compromise their allegiance to God.

The Greek word hypotassō (“be subject”) indicates a voluntary act of submission, recognizing the God-ordained role of governments to maintain order and justice (Romans 13:1-7). This does not mean blind obedience, especially when governments act unjustly or contrary to God’s commands. However, as Christians, we are called to respect the office of authority for the sake of our witness, showing that our primary motivation is not rebellion but faithfulness to God’s will.

4. The Role of Good Works in Silencing Critics (v. 15)

Verse 15 provides the theological reason behind this submission: “For this is the will of God, that by doing good you should put to silence the ignorance of foolish people.” Christians often face criticism or misunderstanding, especially when their values clash with societal norms. Peter encourages believers that their good deeds will ultimately speak louder than any accusation.

The call to “do good” in the public square is central to Christian political engagement. This means advocating for justice, mercy, and truth, as defined by Scripture, not merely aligning with any particular political party or ideology. Our commitment to integrity, fairness, and righteousness in politics silences critics and bears witness to a higher standard—God’s standard.

5. Balancing Freedom and Responsibility (v. 16)

Peter further instructs Christians to “live as people who are free, not using your freedom as a cover-up for evil, but living as servants of God.” Christian freedom, rooted in Christ’s work on the cross, frees us from sin and the law. Yet this freedom comes with responsibility. Peter warns against using it as a pretext for selfish gain or moral compromise.

In politics, this means that Christians must guard against using their position or influence for personal advancement or to justify ungodly actions. Our ultimate loyalty is to God, and our freedom is to be exercised in service to His kingdom, not in self-serving ways.

6. Respect and Honor: The Hallmarks of Christian Political Engagement (v. 17)

Peter concludes with four short but powerful commands: “Honor everyone. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the emperor.”

• Honor everyone: Christians are called to show respect to all people, recognizing their dignity as bearers of God’s image, regardless of their political affiliations.

• Love the brotherhood: In the body of Christ, political differences must never undermine our love for one another. Christian unity is a testimony to the world (John 13:35).

• Fear God: Our highest reverence is reserved for God alone. While we honor human leaders, our fear, meaning our deep reverence and obedience, belongs to God.

• Honor the emperor: Even in a corrupt political system, Christians are called to show respect to leaders. This is not an endorsement of their every action but a reflection of our commitment to living peaceably (Romans 12:18).

Conclusion: Integrity as Kingdom Witness

Christian integrity in politics begins with the recognition that we are citizens of a heavenly kingdom. Our conduct, submission, and engagement in political affairs should reflect our allegiance to Christ and His values. By doing so, we bear witness to a world in need of redemption, silencing critics through good deeds and bringing glory to God.

As we navigate the complexities of modern politics, may we never forget our true identity in Christ, living honorably, respecting others, and ultimately, fearing God above all. This is the path of Christian integrity in politics, one that calls us to live as faithful citizens of both heaven and earth.