1 Timothy 2
King James Version (KJV)
1 I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men;
2 For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty.
3 For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour;
4 Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.
We are our brother’s keeper. Believers everywhere are given this practical advice from the “immortal, invisible, only wise God”: that we should pray and give thanks for all men and that we do the same for all who are in authority. God’s way is not the way of political expedience, where pointed fingers and waging tongues of uninformed and non-believing minds seek to turn the wills of men this way and that, in order to get what they want. What “they” want is not always in the best interests of the people they serve. Yet whether or not we like our leaders, whether or not we love our neighbors (or bosses or parents), we are told to pray for them and give thanks to God. Yielding ourselves to this command (and it is a command, not a suggestion) has a promised result: “that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty.” (Verse 2).
Sculpture – head of Jesus Christ (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
Submitting ourselves to the will of God makes us more peaceable and law abiding. Interceding for leaders of nations (captains of industry and heads of households as well) invites the Lord to intervene on our behalf, and affect situations such that our lives can be more peaceable, godly and honest. The end objective is salvation for all: that all may come to a knowledge of the truth that Jesus Christ is Lord of all (Acts 10:36).
The current world-wide economic crisis has the peoples of the earth on edge. Our leaders have become increasingly dependent upon rhetoric and propaganda as main instruments of leadership rather than educating the public to reach consensus opinions and approve actions that do the most good for the most people with the least harm to all. The word of God says this should not be the case. So let us not be negligent and rebellious. Let us pray earnestly for all our leaders, and follow the principles of righteousness, so that we help to build our society rather than contribute to its decline.
Until next time, “Be strong in the Lord and the power of His might!”
Your friend in Christ,
Verneda
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