A code of conduct is a set of principles and values that outline the expected and acceptable behavior for individuals within an organization. It establishes how people are supposed to act to ensure a safe and productive environment, and to reflect the organization’s values and beliefs. A good code of conduct has a few important components. It should have an aspirational tone that calls people to a high standard and be inviting by emphasizing the importance of speaking up and sharing concerns. It should also be easily accessible for members of the organization and be designed in a way that reflects the company and its brand identity.
For Christians, the Bible is our code of conduct. An important part of Christian conduct is submitting to worldly leaders, whether good or bad. The Bible makes it clear that living a righteous life can and will lead to suffering. Just as Jesus suffered for us, we should expect to suffer as we follow him. A righteous life will involve submitting to authorities that God has placed over us. It can be hard to submit to wicked leaders, so 1 Peter 2:18-25 helps us understand why we should submit to authority figures who are unjust.
18 Servants, be subject to your masters with all respect, not only to the good and gentle but also to the unjust. 19 For this is a gracious thing, when, mindful of God, one endures sorrows while suffering unjustly. 20 For what credit is it if, when you sin and are beaten for it, you endure? But if when you do good and suffer for it you endure, this is a gracious thing in the sight of God. 21 For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you might follow in his steps. 22 He committed no sin, neither was deceit found in his mouth. 23 When he was reviled, he did not revile in return; when he suffered, he did not threaten, but continued entrusting himself to him who judges justly. 24 He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By his wounds you have been healed. 25 For you were straying like sheep, but have now returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls. – 1 Peter 2:18-25
Why should we submit to crooked leaders?
- We submit to crooked authorities because God rewards our submission
It is normal to suffer when we have done something wrong, but it is notable to suffer for doing what is right. God shows His favor to those who are willing to endure hardships to obey Him. He delights in rewarding our faithfulness by showing us His great kindness.
- We submit to crooked authorities as we follow in the footsteps of Jesus
Jesus lived a perfect life, and he still faced suffering. We are called to follow the example he set, so we should expect to face suffering as well. True faith will lead to hardships, but Jesus has shown us the way to live righteously in the midst of suffering.
- We submit to crooked authorities because Jesus was our substitute
Jesus lived the life we should have lived, and he died the death we should have died. He did not merely set an example, but he freed us from our sin so we can live in righteousness. Jesus has saved us and given us life, which enables us to respond righteously to unjust suffering in this world.
Our life and identity as Christians is tied to the life of Jesus. The commands and example he has given us in a world of unjust suffering serve as our perfect code of conduct.