Want A Quiet and Peaceable Life?

 

"I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour; Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth." 1 Timothy 2:1-4

When I read these verses, I realized that God was giving us instructions as well as urging us. Exhort means urging, strongly encouraging. What is God urging us to do?

He said, “First of all,” I want to stop here a minute. God’s words “first of all” should say to us that what He is about to ask us to do is important. We are to do it first. So, what do we do first? We are to make supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks for all men.

Supplication means we are making a request and bringing a petition to God earnestly and humbly for all men–for kings, those in authority (yes, even those we do not like and those in different political camps).

Prayer means entreat, implore, request. To me it is talking to God and asking God to have mercy upon all men, kings, and those in authority. Request God to help them make wise decisions for their land and its people.

Intercession means intervening on behalf of another. We can intercede for others by praying for their needs will be met, both physical, emotional, spiritual, and financial.

Giving thanks means thanking God. Once we have prayed for all men, kings, and those in authority, we need to thank God for answering our prayers for them. They need God too. By thanking God, we let Him know we expect Him to answer our prayers, and we are grateful that He does.

Why does He tell us to do this? It is for our own good. God truly wants all of us to live a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty.

Therefore, instead of bashing the political leaders, kings, and all men, we do not care for, we need to obey God (be obedient) and pray for them. Remember God is the one who can change things and people…through prayer. Our doing this will be pleasing to God. Remember, He wants all men to be saved and come to the knowledge of truth.

Question: Would we rather spend our time doing what God said, so we will have peaceable lives, or would we rather spend our time spewing anger, hate, and criticizing others? Which do you think offers us peace?

I happened to listen to a late-night talk show about three years ago, (I don’t normally watch these things) and did not find their bashing people to be funny, nor find humor at the expense of another human being. Immediately, 1 Timorthy 2:1-4 came to my mind. 

Prayer: 

Lord, help each of us come to you in prayer and thanksgiving each day and intercede for all men, kings, and men in authority everywhere regardless of whether we like and agree with them or not. We pray for them to come to know you, to come into the knowledge of truth, and to have wisdom to lead so that we can have a quiet an peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. Help us to realize our responsibility as a child of God to pray and interced for others, not just the ones we love and like, but also for those we do not like. Amen

(excerpt of this post taken from my book Between Me and You.)