DAD'S RAMBLINGS -- A PEACEABLE LIFE
"Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth." (I Timothy 2:1-4)
I confess. This is a very convicting passage for me. I find it so much easier to criticize and fight those whom God has placed in authority when I don't agree with them. It seems I have read someplace that all governmental authority is established and appointed by God (Romans 13:1). This Scripture was written by a man who suffered at the hand of both civil and religious authorities. And I remember another Man who said to the civil ruler who was about to crucify Him, that that ruler had no power except what had been given to him from above (John 19:11), and never in His life did He rail against the Roman government. In fact, He said to pay them the honor that belongs to them, even when they don't deserve it.
How much peace do I get from complaining about the government? Does that solve any problems? Inner peace comes from taking the leaders – whether civil or religious – to God in prayer, and committing them to Him.
I have to remember also that they are sinners and need a Savior. God wants them to come to the knowledge of the truth and be saved. My critical attitude does not help accomplish this goal one iota.
I need God's help. It is true that we have ungodly leaders who do ungodly things. But God loves them and they need His salvation. Praying for them is the path to a quiet life of peace, godliness, and reverence or, as the margin reads, dignity. Honestly, a person who is constantly ranting about the government does not exhibit a quiet life of peace, godliness or dignity.
May our lives demonstrate Christ's life of peace to this world.
Love, Dad
No comments:
Post a Comment