“Then Peter and the other apostles answered and said, We ought to obey God rather than men” (Acts 5:29).

 The early Council in Jerusalem directly ordered the apostles never to teach again in the name of the Lord Jesus. Of course the believers were going to continue sharing Christ with the public and teaching in His name. Peter’s response has given the definitive course of action for believers over the years. Whenever possible, we should live quietly and obediently. But when the governing authorities directly order disobedience to the Lord, we answer to the Higher Authority. Around the world, believers are in peril everyday as the events of Acts 5:28-29 are played out over and over again. We must be praying for our sisters and brothers who live in great danger. We also need to be praying for wisdom and strength as to know when and how we must take such a stand for Christ. It might be at school, work, or in our neighborhood. But the time may very well come when we must say, “We ought to obey God rather than men.”

 For today: Living for Christ is an honor and privilege.