I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people— 2 for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. 3 This is good, and pleases God our Savior, 4 who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth. 1 Timothy 2:1-4
How many of us have petitioned a leader for something? Maybe you wrote your elected representatives or senators, presented in front of the school board, addressed your Elder Board, pleaded with a Pastor or even spoke at your city council meetings. Whatever it was that you petitioned for, you had a strong desire to make a change, and the change was typically driven by something you didn't like, or something someone did that impacted you negatively. In this world of elections in the U.S. democracy, we are given the opportunity to choose someone who we think can do the job well. How do politics and God's word cross? Well, God very explicitly in this set of verses tells us that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving should be made for all people. He didn't say "some people" or only your "family members", He said "all" people. He also clarified who that was to include and that was "kings and all those in authority", and I would say this even includes our elected officials. Whether you are on one side of a political party or another, we all need to remember that these candidates are included in the "all people" category and God wants all people to be saved and come to an understanding of Him. So take a moment to pray for the leaders of your country, because whether you voted for them or not, God can guide these leaders through our prayers.
Have a great weekend.
Matt
No comments:
Post a Comment