NorthStar Church Blog

¹³ Be subject for the Lord’s sake to every human institution, whether it be to the emperor as supreme, ¹⁴ or 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)

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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.

 

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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.

 

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.

1 Peter 2:12 (ESV)

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A TESTIMONY OF GOOD DEEDS

 

Growing up, there was a certain set of rules my parents wanted us to follow. They weren’t overly strict, but they had expectations—curfews, manners, and respect. If we broke the rules, there were always consequences. These boundaries mattered because they shaped who we were. We didn’t just follow them for the sake of following rules; we followed them because they were about living rightly and representing our family well.

Peter gives us a similar principle when it comes to living as Christians. As we fight sin and walk through this world, he says we should look different, especially among non-believers (the Gentiles). Our goal isn’t just to appear different for the sake of being different or to gain others’ approval. We don’t uphold Christian standards to polish our image, fit in with church culture, or give ourselves a sense of moral superiority. We aim to live in a way that brings glory to God.

You’ve probably had moments in your life when others spoke down to you for what you believe in and stand up for. In those moments, it’s tempting to feel awkward, embarrassed, or like the odd one out. Maybe you’ve been in a situation where you were tempted to compromise just to fit in or not cause waves. Maybe you’ve thought, “I don’t want people to think I’m weird for my faith.” It’s easy to feel like our convictions make us outsiders.

But what if we saw those moments differently? What if, instead of feeling embarrassed, we saw them as opportunities to glorify God? When Peter says, “Keep your conduct among the Gentiles honorable,” he’s inviting us to live in a way that points back to God. When people question why we live the way we do, that’s a chance to speak of our love for God, not a time to shrink back.

This isn’t just about saying “no” to certain behaviors. It’s about doing so with purpose. Peter says that even when others “speak against you as evildoers,” our good deeds can stand as a witness. When people mock you, slander you, or question you, your commitment to live honorably has the power to make them stop and wonder.

It can be tough being a Christian today. The pressures we face are very real. Culture often pushes us to embrace values that contradict what we believe. The more we resist, the more we stand out. But here’s the thing: just because it’s difficult doesn’t mean we should shy away. If anything, the difficulty should remind us how important it is to hold the line.

When others speak against your faith, whether it’s in a classroom, a workplace, or even in your friend group, what will your response be? Will you hide in discomfort, or will you let your love for God shine? We are called to be witnesses to the gospel. Part of that witness comes through the way we live. People are watching, and while we may not always see the fruit right away, we never know how God is using our lives to plant seeds in others.

I want to encourage you: don’t give up! The way you live matters. And not just because it makes you look good, but because your life has the potential to bring glory to God in ways you can’t even imagine. Maybe your neighbor notices how patient you are when things get stressful. Maybe your classmate sees how kind you are to those who are overlooked. Maybe, one day, that coworker who once thought your faith was a joke will come to you in a time of crisis, asking about the hope they’ve seen in you all along. Our good deeds, even in the face of opposition, can be a powerful testimony to the One we serve. Let’s live sent—with purpose and on purpose!

 

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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.

 

Beloved, I urge you as sojourners and exiles to abstain from the passions of the flesh, which wage war against your soul.

1 Peter 2:11 (ESV)

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THE WAR WITHIN

 

If you grew up in church, you probably share the same memory I have of a church camp or D-Now weekend. The speaker would push all week, and in the final sermon, there was a call to die to sin and trust in God. Then there were usually one of three options (likely rotated between camps or speaking tours): to write your sin on a piece of paper, a rock, or a nail. After the sermon, there would be an altar call where you’d place your sin in a fire, throw your rock into the woods, or hammer the nail to a cross.

Why did that moment have so much power? Because the pastor woke you up to the reality that sin was real and prevalent in your life. He brought you face-to-face with the weight of sin. That simple symbolic action felt like the release of a heavy burden, a public declaration of your desire to be free.

But here’s the truth: while those moments are powerful and moving, we often find that once the camp high fades, the sins we tried to throw away find their way back. Why? Because the real battle is ongoing. It’s not just about symbolic gestures but about a daily war against the passions that wage war on our souls.

Notice Peter’s language in this verse. He is urging, pleading, practically begging. Have you ever been begged by someone? Maybe it was a fitness coach urging you to stick to your diet, a friend begging you to binge-watch the latest Netflix series, or an influencer recommending the next big product. Peter’s urging is different. He isn’t concerned with fleeting trends or temporary fixes; he is urging us to engage in the fight of our lives. Peter wants us to wrestle with the desires that pull us away from God.

Peter knew this was not a one-time battle. The language he uses suggests an ongoing struggle. It’s easy for us to be lulled into complacency, to let sin slide when we’re not in the emotional peak of a retreat or actively thinking about it. But sin is always lurking, always waiting for an opportunity to slip back into our hearts and minds.

If we’re honest, it’s much easier to set a plan for paying off debt, achieving a career milestone, or working toward a fitness goal than to wage war on sin. After all, paying off debt has clear steps: create a budget, stick to it, make payments. Gaining a fitness goal? Eat right, exercise, rest, repeat. But fighting sin? That’s an invisible war that requires not just external discipline but also internal, honest reflection.

Sin doesn’t show up on a neat to-do list. It’s subtle. It comes in when we least expect it—whether through a fleeting thought, a lingering temptation, or a moment of weakness. And Peter is urging us to recognize it, confront it, and fight against it.

Here’s the thing: sin is not just an external threat. Peter says these passions “wage war against your soul.” This is deeply personal. Sin wants to destroy you from the inside out. It attacks the soul, the very core of who you are. And as believers, we must take this war seriously. This isn’t just about avoiding bad behavior; it’s about protecting the purity of our souls.

So, what does it look like to fight?

It looks like confession: Regularly bringing our sins to God, acknowledging them, and asking for the grace to overcome them.

It looks like accountability: Having people in our lives who will lovingly urge us to stay on course.

It looks like prayer: Asking God to strengthen us for the battle and to give us a deep desire for holiness.

It looks like reading God’s Word: Filling our hearts and minds with God’s truth so that we can discern the lies of sin when they come.

When is the last time you thought about fighting sin? Maybe it’s time we start again.

 

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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.

 

 

But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession…

1 Peter 2:9 (NIV)

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A ROYAL PRIESTHOOD

 

Last year, I watched the Netflix drama series The Crown, which tells the story of Queen Elizabeth II. Although I’m not usually fascinated by the royal family, this series gave me a newfound respect for them. It illuminated the intentionality and discipline that Queen Elizabeth adhered to in her daily life. She took her role not just as the Queen very seriously; she understood that her actions and demeanor were a reflection of the crown and what it represented. She set a standard by embodying what was considered good, proper, and acceptable.

Just as Queen Elizabeth took her earthly role of royalty seriously, we, too, have a significant role as a “royal priesthood” in God’s kingdom. Others are observing us to see what is good and right. We might be the only representation of Jesus that some people will ever encounter.

The description of believers as a “royal priesthood” and a “holy nation” highlights our unique role and identity. As priests, we have the privilege of representing God to others and offering spiritual sacrifices. This identity calls us to live with integrity and purpose, reflecting God’s holiness and engaging in His mission.

Lord, I am grateful for my identity as part of Your royal priesthood. Help me to live up to this responsibility by representing You well and offering my life as a spiritual sacrifice. Guide me to serve others with love and to reflect Your holiness in all that I do.

Consider what it means to be part of a royal priesthood. How does this identity influence your actions and relationships?

 

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Minda Seagraves has been married to her best friend, Russell, for 17 years and is mom to Carson and Maddie. She is also a full-time missionary with the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, serving as a chaplain to local female high school teams and supports 380 staff across four states in the U.S. and 20 countries in East Africa as the Regional Director of Talent Advancement with FCA. Minda and her family live in Acworth and have been attending NorthStar Church since 2020.

 

 

…that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.

1 Peter 2:9 (NIV)

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CALLED OUT OF DARKNESS

 

A few years ago, a friend introduced me to the world of backpacking. She had just begun section-hiking the Appalachian Trail, and her plan didn’t involve camping out, but rather hiking to different cabins each night. Intrigued and excited, I decided to join her. It was far more challenging than I had anticipated, but I loved it so much that I soon invested in all the necessary gear to continue on my own.

Day hiking, where you return to a cabin with running water and electricity, is quite different from backpacking. Backpacking means carrying everything you need, including your sleeping arrangements, on your back. I thought I was well-prepared for my first overnight trip on the trail. Common sense told me it would be dark at night, but nothing could have prepared me for the sheer depth of darkness. Out there, with only a headlamp or a few stars to light the way, the darkness is profound.

During those first hours on the trail, I could think only of the moment when dawn would break. There’s a precious hour in the morning when the first hints of light begin to emerge over the landscape. It’s in those moments that fear subsides and hope is renewed.

We are naturally drawn to the light.

This verse reminds us of the profound transformation that comes with God’s call. We have been called out of spiritual darkness into His marvelous light, signifying a radical change in our lives. Our new position in this light brings with it the responsibility to declare God’s praises and share the hope we’ve found in Him with others.

Father, thank You for calling me out of darkness and into Your light. Help me to live in a way that reflects Your light and to boldly share the story of Your grace and salvation with those around me. May my life stand as a testimony to Your goodness.

Reflect on your personal journey from darkness to light. How can you be a beacon of light to others? In what ways can you share the transformative power of God’s grace in your daily interactions?

 

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Minda Seagraves has been married to her best friend, Russell, for 17 years and is mom to Carson and Maddie. She is also a full-time missionary with the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, serving as a chaplain to local female high school teams and supports 380 staff across four states in the U.S. and 20 countries in East Africa as the Regional Director of Talent Advancement with FCA. Minda and her family live in Acworth and have been attending NorthStar Church since 2020.

 

 

You also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house…

1 Peter 2:5 (NIV)

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LIVING STONES IN GOD’S HOUSE

 

Building a house from the ground up is a significant task. We’ve done it twice, and each time taught me valuable lessons. During our first build, I made plenty of mistakes—mostly with picking colors, tiles, and countertops. The options were overwhelming, and my choices reflected that. The second time, I enlisted help from a brilliant designer friend. I created a few Pinterest boards to share my vision, and she transformed those ideas into a beautifully designed home. Despite the differences in style and size between the two homes, one thing remained consistent: neither could truly take shape until the foundation was laid.

Christ is our firm foundation. Peter describes us as “living stones” being built into a spiritual house, highlighting our role within God’s community. Just as a house needs a strong foundation, the Church needs each of us to contribute to its structure. Every living stone plays a vital role, adding to the strength and beauty of this spiritual house. Our actions and lives impact the collective witness of the Church. By living out our faith, we help build and strengthen God’s spiritual house.

Lord, help me recognize my role as a living stone in Your spiritual house. Guide me to use my gifts and talents to contribute positively to Your Church. May my life reflect Your glory and strengthen the community of believers.

Reflect on how you can actively contribute to the spiritual growth and unity of your church community. What unique qualities or gifts has God given you that you can offer to build up His house?

 

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Minda Seagraves has been married to her best friend, Russell, for 17 years and is mom to Carson and Maddie. She is also a full-time missionary with the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, serving as a chaplain to local female high school teams and supports 380 staff across four states in the U.S. and 20 countries in East Africa as the Regional Director of Talent Advancement with FCA. Minda and her family live in Acworth and have been attending NorthStar Church since 2020.

 

 

As you come to him, the living Stone—rejected by humans but chosen by God and precious to him…

1 Peter 2:4 (NIV)

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THE LIVING STONE AND OUR IDENTITY

 

Nobody likes rejection. I vividly remember my own experience with it from when I was a young girl. I was awkward and desperately wanted to fit in. Unfortunately, my stature and style did me no favors. Add a bad perm and braces to the mix, and you get a clearer picture of my struggles. Despite my efforts, I never quite made it into the “in crowd” throughout elementary and middle school.

Raised outside the church, I didn’t understand then what I know now: that my worth, value, and acceptance come not from others but from the Lord. A wise life coach once told me that no one else gets to determine my worth—and neither do I. Only Christ has the authority to define it. Those words were a sweet reminder that, despite what the world or even I might think or say about myself, there is One who created me and considers me amazing. He loves me not for what I do, have done, or could do in the future, but simply because I am His creation.

Jesus is described as the “living Stone”—foundational and essential to our faith, even though He was rejected by the world. Our identity is deeply connected to this living Stone. Just as Jesus is chosen and precious to God, we too are chosen and valued. Our true meaning and stability come from our relationship with Christ, the cornerstone of our faith.

Jesus, thank You for being the living Stone upon which my faith is built. Help me to remember my worth and identity in You, even in the face of rejection or challenges. May I find my strength and stability in You alone.

Reflect on how your identity is shaped by your relationship with Jesus. How does being built on the living Stone influence the way you see yourself and understand your life’s purpose?

 

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Minda Seagraves has been married to her best friend, Russell, for 17 years and is mom to Carson and Maddie. She is also a full-time missionary with the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, serving as a chaplain to local female high school teams and supports 380 staff across four states in the U.S. and 20 countries in East Africa as the Regional Director of Talent Advancement with FCA. Minda and her family live in Acworth and have been attending NorthStar Church since 2020.

 

 

Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation…

1 Peter 2:2 (NIV)

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DESIRING PURE SPIRITUAL MILK

 

Last month, I had the joy of visiting my sister just a week after the birth of my precious baby niece, Elliana. I spent the entire weekend marveling at her tiny, sleeping face, holding her close, and watching the regular routine of feeding. Every two hours, little Ellie, weighing just 5.5 pounds, would remind us it was time for her next meal. This brought back memories of when my own son was a newborn. I recalled those long days and nights of feeding him every two hours, with each feeding sometimes taking over an hour to get just a few small ounces of milk.

Watching Ellie, I was struck by how a newborn’s needs are so small yet so frequent. She would eagerly drink her milk, and despite consuming just two ounces, she was completely satisfied. Now, a month later, she’s drinking much more as she grows, which contrasts sharply with my teenage son. Starting from those same small beginnings, he now has an insatiable appetite, consuming more calories in a day than I do in a week!

Peter uses the imagery of a newborn’s craving for milk to illustrate our need for spiritual nourishment. Just as infants depend on milk for their growth, we need the Word of God for our spiritual development. Regular engagement with Scripture, prayer, and worship is crucial for our growth and maturity in Christ. Just as my son’s appetite grew from those early feedings to a voracious hunger, our desire for God’s Word should also deepen as we mature in our faith.

In our early days as believers, we might find it challenging to consume and fully understand large portions of Scripture. But as we grow, our spiritual appetite should expand, allowing us to digest more of God’s Word and find greater nourishment for our souls.

May our hunger for God’s Word continue to grow as we are daily fed by Him!

Lord, cultivate in me a deep hunger for Your Word and a thirst for spiritual nourishment. Help me to crave the truth of Scripture with the same eagerness as a newborn craves milk. May Your Word guide and sustain me as I grow in my relationship with You.

Reflect on your current spiritual habits. How can you develop a deeper desire for God’s Word? What steps can you take to ensure that you are regularly feeding on the spiritual milk that sustains your faith?

 

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Minda Seagraves has been married to her best friend, Russell, for 17 years and is mom to Carson and Maddie. She is also a full-time missionary with the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, serving as a chaplain to local female high school teams and supports 380 staff across four states in the U.S. and 20 countries in East Africa as the Regional Director of Talent Advancement with FCA. Minda and her family live in Acworth and have been attending NorthStar Church since 2020.

 

 

And if you call on him as Father who judges impartially according to each one’s deeds, conduct yourselves with fear throughout the time of your exile, knowing that you were ransomed from the futile ways inherited from your forefathers, not with perishable things such as silver or gold, but with the precious blood of Christ, like that of a lamb without blemish or spot.

1 Peter 1:17-19 (ESV)

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ACCORDING TO YOUR DEEDS

 

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Ryan Hoffer serves as NextGen Production Director at NorthStar. He holds an M.Div in Church History and enjoys playing the harp. He and his wife, Tiffany, live in Acworth and have three children.