Sellers Hickman – NorthStar Church Blog

Digging Deeper: Throw Off Your Cloak

Sellers Hickman on March 11, 2025

And throwing off his cloak, he sprang up and came to Jesus.

Mark 10:50 (ESV)

THROW OFF YOUR CLOAK

I made a big deal a few months ago in one of my Sunday morning sermons about my love for the Michelin Star restaurant known as LongHorn Steakhouse. If you remember, I have a deep love for the best item on the menu—the chicken tenders. I cannot describe to you in enough detail the perfectly seasoned and breaded pieces of chicken, along with the perfectly paired complement of just the right concoction of honey mustard.

There is just one problem when I get to LongHorn. The waiter or waitress will come to my table, ask for my drink order, and then they’ll ask the dreaded question: “Would you like a loaf of bread?” Now, I have the willpower of a goldfish when it comes to anything bread-related, and it truly takes everything within me not to respond, “I’ll take a dozen loaves.”

Then that fateful moment happens—my perfectly prepared Michelin Star entrée arrives at the table… and I’m full. I’ve filled up on something good but not the best thing.

It can be hard to wait sometimes, even when you know something better is coming. Bartimaeus did not have that problem because he knew something much better had come. That something was Jesus.

When you read this story, the detail of Bartimaeus throwing off his cloak is a huge deal! For a blind beggar, his cloak was everything. It kept him warm. It allowed him to cover up and hide from the crowd. His cloak was probably beaten and battered from years in the elements. But one thing is certain—it was most likely the most important item Bartimaeus owned and the most loyal thing in his life.

Leaving his cloak behind was costly, but Bartimaeus knew that something better had come. And notice—he didn’t do this after Jesus healed him. He did it simply for the chance to meet with Jesus.

You may be thinking, “Well, duh, Sellers. Jesus is greater than blindness.” Friends, I would love to put before you that Jesus is greater than anything we could have in this life. Jesus is greater than running a Fortune 500 company. Jesus is greater than climbing Mt. Everest. Jesus is greater than becoming famous.

Yet, how often do we fill up on things that aren’t bad, but aren’t the best? We chase success, approval, comfort, and security, thinking they will satisfy—only to find ourselves full yet unfulfilled. Meanwhile, Jesus is offering us something so much better: Himself.

For you today, what would you be willing to throw off to get to Jesus? What are you holding onto so tightly, thinking it’s essential, when in reality, Jesus is offering you something far greater? Now, I’m not saying you should abandon all your earthly responsibilities—we are called to care for the things around us. But maybe, just maybe, there’s something in your life keeping you from fully embracing Jesus. And if that’s the case, it might just be time to let it go.

Sellers Hickman serves as College & Teaching Pastor at NorthStar Church and loves cheering on his Ole Miss Rebels. He and his wife, Hannah, live in Dallas, Ga. with their two daughters. He also serves as the chaplain for the KSU Men’s Basketball team.

Digging Deeper: An Interruptible Mission

Sellers Hickman on March 10, 2025

⁴⁶And they came to Jericho. And as he was leaving Jericho with his disciples and a great crowd, Bartimaeus, a blind beggar, the son of Timaeus, was sitting by the roadside. ⁴⁷And when he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to cry out and say, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” ⁴⁸And many rebuked him, telling him to be silent. But he cried out all the more, “Son of David, have mercy on me!” ⁴⁹And Jesus stopped and said, “Call him.” And they called the blind man, saying to him, “Take heart. Get up; he is calling you.”

Mark 10:46-49 (ESV)

AN INTERRUPTIBLE MISSION

Having two kids now, I have learned one thing as a parent: my plans and schedule do not matter one bit to my kids! Proverbs 16:9 was instrumental in my life as I made college decisions. It says, “The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps.”

If that verse were rewritten today for parents, it would probably say, “The heart of parents plans their ways, but their children determine their steps.” It can be frustrating at times to be interrupted so much while trying to get out the door, put them to bed, or clean the house. But I have learned that in those moments of interruption come some of the sweetest interactions—when I have the right perspective.

Being interruptible can be incredibly difficult, but it is something that Jesus models consistently throughout the Gospels. Jesus was interrupted by a leper in Mark 1. In Mark 2, the roof was torn off while He was teaching, and a paralytic man was lowered down. In Mark 6, His sleep was interrupted by His disciples. None of these moments were seen as a nuisance by Jesus but as opportunities to care for people who were hurting. The Savior of the world took time to stop for people, even when it could have been seen as “inconvenient.”

Our story today is another example of Jesus being interrupted. He was entering Jericho on His way to Jerusalem. Jesus had a mission to accomplish—He was headed to the cross. But even with His eyes set on the cross, He took time to stop for a man whom society had forgotten.

Imagine the weight of that moment. Jesus, fully aware of the suffering He was about to endure, could have easily justified keeping His focus on what was ahead. He could have ignored the cries of a blind beggar, reasoning that His mission was too great to be delayed. But instead, He stopped. He saw the person in front of Him. He acknowledged the need. That single act of stopping not only changed the life of the blind man, but it demonstrated the very heart of Christ—a heart that values people over projects, presence over efficiency, and compassion over convenience.

For you today, what will your response be to being interrupted? Maybe it’s at work, with your children, or simply at the grocery store. Will you see interruptions as obstacles or as opportunities? How often do we rush through our days, missing the moments God places in front of us because we are too focused on our own plans?

What if, instead of growing frustrated, we saw interruptions as divine appointments—moments where God is inviting us to love, serve, and be present for those around us? Jesus didn’t just tolerate interruptions; He embraced them as part of His ministry. As His followers, we are called to do the same.

This week, ask God to help you slow down, be present, and see the people He puts in your path. You may just find that in the midst of the interruptions, He is doing something greater than you ever expected.

Digging Deeper: Fully Satisfied in You

Sellers Hickman on December 13, 2024

¹⁶“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. ¹⁷For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him.

John 3:16-17 (ESV)

FULLY SATISFIED IN YOU

I ended yesterday’s devotional with this phrase and wanted to expand on it: If Jesus fully satisfied God by dying on the cross, then God can never be dissatisfied in you.

These verses are some of the most well-known and often-quoted in Scripture, and for good reason. They tell us something absolutely life-changing about God’s character and His heart for humanity. But as familiar as these words may be, it’s sometimes hard to truly let them sink in. This passage reminds us that God loves us so much that He would send His Son. It tells us that Jesus was sent not to condemn the world. Yet, if we’re honest with ourselves, this can be the easiest truth to understand but the hardest truth to live in.

The first part of this passage tells us that God so loved the world. This is not just a passing, casual love. This is a deep, sacrificial love. God’s love is not merely a feeling; it is a love that moves Him to action. We often think of love as an emotion, something that we feel in our hearts. But God’s love is not an emotion—it’s a love that does something. God loved us so deeply that He sent His Son, Jesus, into the world, not merely to feel love for us, but to take on human flesh and enter into our pain, suffering, and brokenness.

This is the kind of love that doesn’t sit idly by. It doesn’t just say, “I love you,” and leave it at that. No, this love acts. It moves. It gives. And ultimately, it sacrifices. God’s love for us was so great that He gave up His Son, sending Jesus to live among us, to teach us, and to die for us.

When you think about your own life and the things you hold dearest—the people or things you love most—would you be willing to give them up for someone else? It’s one thing to love a friend or family member; it’s another thing to love someone so much that you would offer your most precious possession for their sake. This is the depth of God’s love for us. He sent His Son not just to live among us, but to be the very sacrifice we needed to be restored to Him.

Verse 17 brings a truth that is both comforting and challenging. The world is full of condemnation—self-condemnation, condemnation from others, and the constant pressure to measure up to expectations. We are surrounded by voices that accuse us, whether those voices come from within or from others. Yet, God’s purpose in sending Jesus was not to condemn us. Jesus didn’t come to point fingers at our failures, remind us of our shortcomings, or expose our sins. He came to save us. He came to restore us, to bring healing, to offer forgiveness, and to show us a love we could never earn but that was freely given.

In the midst of life’s demands, it’s easy to think that God is standing in judgment, looking at us with disappointment or frustration. We think, “I haven’t done enough; I’ve failed again; I’m not measuring up.” But remember: Jesus didn’t come to condemn the world. In fact, when Jesus interacted with people in the Gospels, He was often criticized for spending time with the very people society condemned—tax collectors, sinners, and outcasts. He didn’t join in the condemnation; He extended grace, forgiveness, and an invitation to life.

Jesus’ mission wasn’t to point out the ways we fall short. It was to show us the way to be reconciled to God and to be made whole again. He came to heal the broken, save the lost, and restore what was lost. When we trust in Him, we experience that restoration. Our sins are forgiven, our guilt is removed, and our identity is transformed—from guilty sinner to beloved child of God.

Maybe you’re a parent who’s already at the end of your rope this holiday season. You’ve had a tough few months, and the pressures of life, family, and work have left you exhausted. Maybe you’ve made mistakes, said things you regret, or failed to meet your own expectations. Maybe you’ve been beating yourself up, constantly feeling like you’re not good enough.

If that’s you, I want to encourage you with a reminder from this passage: God’s love is not dependent on your performance. Jesus didn’t come into the world to condemn you for your shortcomings. He came to save you, redeem you, and restore you. The truth of God’s love isn’t just about how He feels toward you in your best moments—it’s about what He did for you when you were at your worst.

Sellers Hickman serves as College Pastor at NorthStar Church and loves cheering on his Ole Miss Rebels. He and his wife, Hannah, live in Dallas, Ga. with their one year old, Emery. He also serves as the chaplain for the KSU Men’s Basketball team.

Digging Deeper: Who You Really Are

Sellers Hickman on December 12, 2024

he has now reconciled in his body of flesh by his death, in order to present you holy and blameless and above reproach before him,

Colossians 1:22 (ESV)

WHO YOU REALLY ARE

Nothing quite prepares you for becoming a dad. I had prayed to be a father one day, dreamed of raising children, and made decisions to prepare myself for fatherhood… but the day I held my daughter, Emery, for the first time changed everything. It was 1 a.m. when Emery arrived, and I remember the overwhelming sense of joy, fear, and the realization that we were already starting in the negative when it came to sleep! On that early morning, I embraced a new identity: “dad.” All of a sudden, Father’s Day became a day I was celebrated. A new date on the calendar became significant because of Emery’s birth.

We all have many identities: son/daughter, brother/sister, dad/mom, friend, neighbor, employee, and so many more. Each of these roles shapes the way we live, how we interact with others, and how we see ourselves. Some of these identities come with responsibility, others with privilege, and all of them with a unique set of expectations. But while these roles are important, there is one identity and relationship that every one of us must consider—the one that matters most.

When we come to Jesus, we are reconciled to God. This is not through anything we can do but by God’s grace alone. The incredible truth of the gospel is that in this reconciliation, we don’t just receive forgiveness for our sins or a second chance at life. We receive a new identity. In the moment we place our trust in Jesus as the Lord of our lives, everything about who we are fundamentally shifts.

As we are reconciled with God, we don’t just receive the gift without our lives being changed. The instant we submit to Him as the Lord of our lives, we are given a new identity. We go from being hostile enemies of God to beloved heirs. Through His sacrifice, we are no longer defined by our sin, shame, and failures. Instead, we are presented as holy, blameless, and above reproach.

This new identity is not something we could achieve on our own. Paul reminds us in Ephesians 2:8-9: “For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.” We are given this identity solely through the grace of God, who opens our eyes to Him so we can respond in faith to His calling.

Jesus’ death changes how God sees us. When He looks at you, He doesn’t see your mistakes and imperfections. He doesn’t even see a clean slate—because that wouldn’t be enough. He looks at you and sees the perfection of Jesus. Not because we deserve to be seen that way, but because Jesus died so that God would see Jesus’ righteousness in place of our wretchedness.

This new identity should both humble and empower us. It humbles us because we did nothing to earn it. It empowers us because we can walk in the freedom that there is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus (Romans 8:1). Are you living in this humble confidence during this season? Do you see yourself as a true son or daughter of the King of Kings? Do you believe that God looks at you and is pleased because of what Christ has done?

Friends, if God is fully pleased in Christ, then He can never be displeased in you.

Digging Deeper: The Greatest Gift

Sellers Hickman on December 11, 2024

And you, who once were alienated and hostile in mind, doing evil deeds, ²²he has now reconciled in his body of flesh by his death, in order to present you holy and blameless and above reproach before him,

Colossians 1:21-22 (ESV)

THE GREATEST GIFT

Have you ever been to a rivalry game? Alabama vs. Auburn, Ole Miss vs. Mississippi State, Duke vs. UNC, Falcons vs. Saints—they can get pretty intense. Walking into the opposing team’s stadium, wearing the “wrong” colors, and just hoping your team can pull off a win? The worst part is walking through that sea of people in opposing colors. Sometimes, you hear comments or snide remarks about the team you cheer for. You know you’re there for an intense game, but those fans are the hostile ones—the rude ones, the ones who lack honor. You would never act as foolishly or as loudly as they do… or so you tell yourself.

When you think about the opposing team, you can use pretty strong language to describe them. Alienated, hostile, evil… These are not words we like to apply to ourselves. We prefer to think of ourselves as neutral at worst or maybe just a little misguided. But Scripture pulls no punches. Our sin created a barrier far too great for us to overcome! We became spiritually dead and incapable of bridging that gap on our own. This wasn’t a minor misunderstanding—it was a complete separation between humanity and the God who created us to live in perfect relationship with Him.

But God had a greater plan! He would send a gift for you and for me. Here’s the craziest part: God didn’t just meet us halfway in our hostility toward Him. He went all the way to bridge the divide in our relationship.

Our sin built up a debt we could not pay. We were eternally separated until Jesus filled the gap. Through His death, we were given a chance at life. This is a free gift, one offered to all people. Reconciliation and a new identity are available to everyone. But the key word here is offer. While God has done everything to make reconciliation possible, each of us has a choice to make. The gift of salvation is free, but we must choose to receive it. Just as you would accept a present when it’s given to you, you must accept the gift of salvation through Jesus.

You may have heard this message before, but during the busy holiday season, it’s important to pause and reflect on what we are truly celebrating. Christmas is about more than family gatherings, decorations, and exchanging presents—it’s about the greatest gift ever given: the gift of reconciliation through Jesus Christ. But what will you do with this gift? Will you receive it with open hands, or will you reject it, as so many people do?

If you’ve already trusted in Jesus as your Savior, I encourage you to take time today to thank God for the gift of reconciliation. Thank Him for sending Jesus to bridge the gap that separated you from Him. Reflect on the incredible truth that, because of Jesus’ sacrifice, you stand before God as holy, blameless, and free from accusation. This is not because of anything you’ve done but because of everything Christ has done for you.

If you’ve never made the decision to trust in Jesus as your Savior, I urge you to consider the magnitude of what’s being offered to you. You can be reconciled to God. Your sins, though many, can be forgiven. The debt you owe, which you could never repay, has already been paid in full by Jesus. And you can receive this gift today.

If you’re unsure about what that means or if you want to take the next step in accepting this gift, I encourage you to reach out. Our team is here to help. We would love to walk alongside you as you explore what it means to follow Jesus and embrace the life He offers.

Digging Deeper: Restoring All Things

Sellers Hickman on December 10, 2024

and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of his cross.

Colossians 1:20 (ESV)

RESTORING ALL THINGS

I have to admit… I am a creature of habit. I enjoy doing the same things in the same ways, and it rarely gets old to me. There is something comforting about consistency. Whether it’s my daily routine, favorite spots to eat, or choice of vacation destinations, I tend to gravitate toward what I know and love. If you add my love for the beach into the mix, then there’s really no question where the Hickman vacations are spent. The beach is always the answer.

A few years ago, we were planning a trip for just the two of us before our daughter was born, but there was one problem… With COVID restrictions easing, the beaches were packed, and the prices were far higher than we could afford. So, we decided to check Expedia for the cheapest flights we could find and ended up spending a week in Denver.

I had never been that far west before, so I had no idea what to expect. I was blown away! It was beautiful in a way I had not anticipated—driving around town and seeing the mountains, going on hikes, and experiencing a completely different climate. I remember sitting at a Rockies game in the middle of summer. It was 95 degrees outside, but I wasn’t sweating because of the lack of humidity!

If I’m honest, nature can amaze me, but it’s not my default preference. I’d rather sleep than watch the sunrise. I’d rather lazily sit on the beach than trek through the mountains. I’d rather be indoors than outdoors. Yet, my biggest takeaway from that trip was the reminder to pause and reflect on the One who created all these things.

When I read this verse, all I can think of is the word hope. God offers reconciliation not only between us and Himself but also for all creation. Have you ever considered that the broken things of this world will one day be made right? The entire world has been marked by sin, but through the blood of Jesus and His eventual return, the wrongs of this world will be made right. The hurts will be healed. The curse that touches each of our lives will be reversed.

Imagine today that we could return to the Garden of Eden. This is what Jesus offers. The curse introduced in Genesis 3 is being undone one person, one situation, and one moment at a time. And here’s the best part—this restoration doesn’t have to wait until Jesus returns. It has already begun! As people continue turning to God, the world is being restored. Strained relationships can experience divine healing. The power of sin in our lives can be broken.

This is why our hope must extend beyond our immediate circumstances. Yes, through the cross, you have been saved. Jesus came to reconcile you to God and to restore your relationship with your Creator. But His work doesn’t stop with you. He came to restore all things, bringing peace not just between you and God, but between all creation and its Creator. The fullness of God’s plan is not just individual salvation but also cosmic restoration. It is a plan that encompasses everything and everyone. It is a hope that reaches beyond us, into the world around us, into the future, and into eternity.

As we move through this Christmas season, I encourage you to reflect on the fullness of God’s plan of salvation—not just for you, but for the whole world. Jesus came to reconcile all things to Himself and to restore the world to its intended purpose. As His followers, we are part of that mission.

Our hope is not just personal; it is global. We have hope for the restoration of everything—humanity, creation, and society. And we are called to live as people of hope, working toward the day when Jesus will return and make all things new.

This Christmas, let us embrace the big picture of salvation. Let us remember that Jesus came not only to redeem us but also to redeem the world. As we wait for the full realization of this hope, let us live in a way that reflects the restoration already at work. Our hope is not just for ourselves; it is for the whole world—a hope worth sharing with everyone we meet.

Digging Deeper: The Fullness of God

Sellers Hickman on December 9, 2024

For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell,

Colossians 1:19 (ESV)

THE FULLNESS OF GOD

We bought our first home almost five years ago, and we were incredibly unaware of everything it takes to keep a house going. I remember that after our first spring in the house, I was so frustrated by the number of weeds in our yard. Hannah and I spent a whole Saturday morning slowly walking every inch of our yard, picking weeds and throwing them away. I came back inside, called my dad, and asked him how he kept his yard spotless. I didn’t remember him ever spraying the yard or going out to pick weeds, so I thought he must have figured something out. He laughed when I asked and said, “Sel… I have a yard guy who sprays our yard.”

I had no idea what it took to be a homeowner compared to living in an apartment, where we could just call the maintenance guy. In our passage today, Paul talks about the fact that the fullness of God dwells (or resides) in Christ.

When Paul wrote this letter to the Colossians, he used the word fullness to convey a deep truth about Jesus. Jesus was not just a man with some divine qualities; He was fully God and fully man. The fullness of God means that, in the person of Jesus, nothing was lacking. He was the complete picture of God, not just a glimpse. All the characteristics and attributes you would associate with God the Father—His wisdom, power, holiness, and love—were also fully present in Jesus.

This is an essential truth of our Christian faith, especially at Christmas. As we remember the birth of Jesus, we also celebrate the revelation of God Himself. Jesus’ coming into the world was not just a historic event or a symbolic gesture. It was God’s plan to reveal Himself to humanity in the clearest and most direct way possible. Jesus didn’t merely carry a portion of God’s presence; He was God made flesh.

Mike reminded us of this truth at the beginning of our Christmas series when he talked about Jesus being the image of the invisible God in Colossians 1:15. In Jesus, we see what God is truly like. His character, compassion, mercy, and grace are fully revealed in the life and person of Jesus Christ.

When we reflect on the fullness of God during this Christmas season, we are reminded of our Creator. He did not simply create the world, set it into motion, and let everything play out on its own. God has always been active in the world He created. When He chose to enter the world—even though He had full power and authority—He chose to do it in a lowly manger. As you remember the manger, reflect on how God’s plan to save the world began to unfold in the most unexpected way.

Maybe you are entering this holiday season with doubts or questions about who God is. I encourage you to look at the manger and take comfort in the fact that God is with you.

Digging Deeper: Honor, Love, Fear, Honor

Sellers Hickman on October 4, 2024

Honor everyone. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the emperor.

1 Peter 2:17 (ESV)

HONOR, LOVE, FEAR, HONOR

The final verse of this section feels like a locker room verse. I picture Tennessee, LSU, or Clemson running through the locker room, touching a sign above the door before they hit the field that says, “Honor everyone. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the emperor.”

Alright… maybe the fourth statement is a stretch. But seriously, if any coaches out there are looking for a new battle cry for your team, 1 Peter 2:17 is a pretty strong contender!

Why does Peter end this section with these four quick reminders? Because they’re a perfect summary of what he’s just been teaching. It’s like he’s saying, “If you don’t remember anything else, remember this!” These four phrases capture what it looks like to live out our faith in the midst of a watching world, whether it’s with your family, in the workplace, or in your daily interactions.

Honor everyone – Peter isn’t just telling us to honor the people who think like us, act like us, or treat us kindly. No! He’s saying honor everyone. That includes difficult people, those who disagree with us, and even those who might mistreat us. Why? Because every single person is made in the Imago Dei—the image of God. That’s what gives each person inherent worth and value, whether they acknowledge it or not.

To honor someone doesn’t necessarily mean agreeing with everything they do or say. It doesn’t mean excusing sin or injustice. But it does mean treating them with dignity and respect, recognizing that they, like us, are image-bearers of God. Think of Jesus’ teaching in the Sermon on the Mount, where He calls us to love our enemies and pray for those who persecute us (Matthew 5:44). This is the kind of radical honor Peter is talking about.

Love the brotherhood – This is a reference to the community of believers, the church. And this isn’t just about loving the people in your small group or the friends you sit next to in service. It’s about loving all who profess the name of Jesus, even when it’s hard, even when there are disagreements or differences of opinion.

Loving the brotherhood means having each other’s backs. It means carrying one another’s burdens (Galatians 6:2), encouraging one another daily (Hebrews 3:13), and forgiving one another as Christ forgave us (Colossians 3:13). And yes, sometimes love means having difficult conversations, experiencing growing pains, or working through conflicts. But as 1 Corinthians 13:7 reminds us, “Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.” This kind of love creates a strong, unified community that reflects the heart of God to the world.

Fear God – “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom,” says Proverbs 9:10. Peter reminds us here that the foundation of all our actions should be a healthy, reverent fear of God. Not a cowering fear, as though we’re scared of what He might do to us, but a deep respect and awe for who He is.

When we have the right view of God, everything else falls into place. We start to live with a sense of purpose, knowing that our lives are ultimately accountable to Him. We also gain the wisdom to navigate life’s complexities because our actions are guided by a desire to honor Him above all else. If we fear God rightly, we won’t be swayed by the opinions of others or the pressures of this world. Instead, we’ll live with the freedom and confidence that comes from knowing who holds ultimate authority.

Honor the emperor – Peter understood that, regardless of how flawed or evil a leader might be, all authority ultimately comes from God (Romans 13:1). Honoring the emperor didn’t mean agreeing with everything Nero did or condoning his actions. It meant recognizing that God was still sovereign over the situation and that submission to earthly authorities was part of living out their faith.

If Peter could challenge his readers to honor a man as evil as Nero, then we can honor those in leadership over us, even when we disagree with them. Honor begins with submission, and submission starts with the heart.

As we wrap up this week, the question remains: How is your heart doing? Are you cultivating a heart that’s quick to honor others, quick to forgive, and quick to love? Are you developing a heart that fears God above all else, or are you more focused on what others think?

Living out these commands from Peter isn’t easy, but it’s part of what it means to live as a follower of Christ. It starts with our heart—how we see God, how we see others, and how we respond to the pressures and challenges of life.

As you reflect on this verse, ask yourself: Are you honoring everyone, even those who are difficult to honor? Are you loving the brotherhood of believers, even when it’s messy or inconvenient? Are you living with a healthy fear of God, allowing His wisdom to guide your life? And are you willing to honor those in authority over you, even when it’s hard?

If your heart is in the right place, you’ll find that these commands aren’t burdensome, but life-giving. You’ll be living in a way that reflects the heart of God to a world that desperately needs to see it.

Digging Deeper: People Who Are Free

Sellers Hickman on October 3, 2024

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.

1 Peter 2:13-14 (ESV)

PEOPLE WHO ARE FREE

I believe that deep down, there’s something in us that always wants to have the last word. We want to defend ourselves, explain why we do what we do, or make sure people see us the right way. It’s a natural human instinct. But here’s the question: What example did Jesus set for us in this area?

When we look at Jesus’ life, especially in the moments leading up to His crucifixion, we see something remarkable. Despite all the false accusations thrown at Him, despite being slandered, beaten, and eventually sentenced to death, He didn’t defend Himself. Isaiah 53:7 says, “He was oppressed, and He was afflicted, yet He opened not His mouth; like a lamb that is led to the slaughter, and like a sheep that before its shearers is silent, so He opened not His mouth.” Even the Son of God, the One who had every right to speak up and defend Himself, remained silent. He didn’t feel the need to respond to the lies or to prove His innocence. He trusted God the Father to handle it.

So, if Jesus didn’t feel the need to have the last word, why do we?

I remember sitting in Jamie Maddox’s office years ago, wrestling with the cultural climate of our world and how I should best lead college students through it. I had a bunch of “what if” scenarios running through my head. “What if they say this?” “What if they think this?” “What if they disagree?” I was consumed with this need to defend my stance—what I thought was “right.” But I’ll never forget what Jamie told me that day. He said, “God’s seen us to this point, and He’ll see us through any ‘what if’ scenario. We can trust that He will defend His church, and He’ll do a much better job than we will.”

That stuck with me. God has always been faithful. He has brought us through every trial, every accusation, and every misunderstanding, and He will continue to do so. We can trust Him to defend His church because He is far better equipped for that job than we are. And as much as we can see that God defends His church, how much more precious are you to Him personally?

You are a child of God. You are His beloved, adopted into His family through Christ. If He will defend His church, don’t you think He will defend you too? God has your back, whether you’re facing accusations, criticism, or unfair treatment. You don’t need to step in and have the last word because God will take care of it.

That’s what makes verse 16 of this passage so powerful. We are free! We don’t have to be enslaved to the opinions of others or to the fear of “what ifs.” We’ve been freed by the grace of God, and that freedom allows us to live differently. It allows us to serve others without the need for recognition or validation because we know that God is the One who sees us and cares for us.

Imagine living out of that place of freedom. What if you didn’t feel the need to defend yourself every time someone questioned your faith or your actions? What if, instead of feeling like you had to prove yourself to others, you simply trusted that God sees you, knows you, and will take care of you?

That’s the kind of freedom Peter is talking about. It’s a freedom that comes from knowing we are secure in God’s love, no matter what others may say or think. It’s a freedom that empowers us to serve others, not because we’re trying to earn approval, but because we already have it from the One who matters most.

So today, as you go about your life, remember this: you don’t need to have the last word. You don’t need to win every argument or defend yourself against every accusation. God has you. He sees you. And He will defend you. You are free to live in that truth and to serve others from a place of peace, knowing that God is your ultimate defender.

Trust that God has you today.

Digging Deeper: Submission to Authorities

Sellers Hickman on October 2, 2024

¹³Be subject for the Lord’s sake to every human institution, whether it be to the emperor as supreme, ¹⁴or to governors as sent by him to punish those who do evil and to praise those who do good.

1 Peter 2:13-14 (ESV)

SUBMISSION TO AUTHORITIES

We have a lot of tension around politics today. Election seasons bring out the best and worst in people, and it can feel overwhelming to navigate through it all. But Peter writes to a group of believers living in an even more politically charged environment than ours.

When Peter writes these words, things were far from ideal. He was living under Roman rule. It wasn’t like he could vote for who was in charge. The Roman Empire was a dictatorship, and the last two emperors, Claudius and Caligula, had been awful rulers. Claudius was known for his cruelty, and Caligula’s reign was infamous for his madness and tyranny. And yet, as bad as they were, Nero, who was coming to power, made them look tame.

At the time Peter writes this letter, Nero’s rule is still early. It’s ironic that, for a short time, he might have seemed like an improvement compared to his predecessors. However, history shows how terribly wrong things went. Nero had an intense hatred for Christians. He would eventually order the great fire of Rome, watch it burn from his balcony, and then blame Christians. From there, persecution escalated. Christians were fed to lions, burned alive, and brutally executed for sport. This was the government Peter was under. This was the political climate he was writing about.

And yet, in the midst of all this, Peter writes these counter-cultural verses. Peter is telling believers to submit to authority, even to an authority as corrupt and hostile as Rome. Why? Because submission to earthly authority is an act of submission to God’s sovereignty. God has allowed this authority to exist, and our submission reflects trust in His greater plan.

I know times are tense right now as we head into election season. I don’t know where you stand politically, but no matter where you fall on the political spectrum, there’s a lot of anxiety, anger, and division. People are passionate about who they believe should lead, and every election cycle seems to carry more weight than the last.

It’s easy to think that everything hinges on the next vote, the next law, the next leader. And yes, politics are important because they affect real lives. But as Christians, Peter reminds us that we are called to something higher. Our ultimate hope doesn’t rest in an emperor, a president, or a political party—it rests in God. We can engage in the political process, but we do so with the perspective that God is ultimately in control, no matter who holds office.

Peter knew how hard this was for his readers, and he still encourages them to be subject to human authorities “for the Lord’s sake.” In doing so, they were bearing witness to God’s order and plan, even when they didn’t understand it. The same is true for us. We may not always understand why certain leaders come to power, but we are called to honor them—not because they are always worthy of honor, but because our actions reflect our trust in God’s greater sovereignty.

But what does submission look like in our context? Does it mean blind obedience? No. Peter doesn’t say we should follow government leaders into sin or violate our consciences. In fact, Scripture makes it clear that when human laws conflict with God’s commands, we must obey God rather than men (Acts 5:29). But in all things that don’t violate God’s law, we are to show respect and honor, even when we disagree with policies or the person in power.

This doesn’t mean we disengage or remain silent on important issues. Far from it. We are called to stand up for truth, justice, and righteousness. But we do so from a place of peace, not panic. We remember that no matter what happens in an election, God is still on the throne. Our allegiance is ultimately to Him.

Peter’s words challenge us to rethink how we engage with politics. Are we driven by fear, anger, and division? Or are we rooted in trust that God is ultimately in control?

So, as we head into this election season, let’s take a step back. Let’s remember that our hope doesn’t rest in an earthly leader. Let’s engage with wisdom and grace, submitting where we can, standing firm where we must, and trusting God in all things. Just as Peter called the early Christians to honor the emperor, we are called to honor those in authority today, for the Lord’s sake and for the sake of our witness in a world that desperately needs to see His peace.