As I sit down to write these musings from recent Bible study notes, my phone and computer are beeping last-minute election-related messages and appeals, and by the time this Globe issue hits the stands, approximately half the country will be happy and the other half unhappy, regardless of how the Presidential election goes. One can only hope we are not embroiled in recounts and vitriolic discussion about whether the voting was fair and honest, or how many illegals were allowed to cast a ballot.
In that context, I have been pondering 1 Timothy 2:1-2, where Paul writes to his co-laborer and mentee, “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” (NKJV).
Wait, what? Pray for whom? Even if my non-preferred candidate won? And what’s that business about a quiet and peaceable life? The Apostle Paul clearly had no idea!
Well, yes, he did. The Roman Empire wasn’t exactly the most comfortable environment for early Christians; although there were well-developed roads and other conveniences to assist the spread of the gospel, there was also frequent and serious persecution.
That verse begins with “Therefore,” which means we should refer back to the previous context. Chapter 1 reminds Timothy of foundational concepts regarding Jesus’ teaching, how Jesus fulfilled the Old Testament law and prophetic writings. He also emphasized that the young pastor should be devoted to apostolic teaching based on the words of Christ himself, and must refute false teaching trying to rear its ugly head in the growing Church.
That context leads me to realize that although wise and godly leaders can help facilitate comfortable circumstances, Paul’s reference to “peaceable and quiet lives” is not necessarily speaking of our external circumstances. It’s important to pray for leaders, whether or not we agree with them; Paul’s own testimony illustrates that even a persecutor of Christians is not beyond reach. And those who do profess faith in Christ need our prayers for wisdom in a challenging environment. Our commitment to truth, however, should not waver even when, like the early apostles and other Christian believers, our earthly environment is anything but peaceful.
Philippians 4:6-7 speaks of the peace we can expect, regardless of circumstances: “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus” (NKJV).
Did you catch that “surpasses all understanding” part? As we move forward from the elections, there are certain to be questions. My goal is to follow Paul’s admonition to pray for those in authority and to present my own anxieties and requests to God, along with thanksgiving, and then allow His peace to permeate my heart in whatever circumstances may come.
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