For kings and for all that are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. 1 Timothy 2:2
When was the last time you made a disparaging remark about your mayor, or your premier, or even your prime minister or a federal cabinet minister? And surely, you have never lifted your voice in any negative way against the Governor-General or the queen. No? We do tend to find the flaws and blemishes in our earthly leaders very readily. We complain about their decisions, we object to the plans they make (especially the taxes they levy), and sometimes we even mock their speech or make fun of the things they say. But when was the last time you took any of those leaders before the Throne of Grace, to entreat the Lord for them? I don’t mean a glib mention at a prayer meeting, but a serious discussion with the Lord about those folks, their need of God’s salvation and their need for guidance and wisdom in these difficult days.
Paul knew little about a quiet and peaceable life, yet he knew how important it is for Christians to enjoy an environment in which they are not in peril of their lives or in danger of losing their livelihood. We have much to be thankful for in our great peaceful, prosperous, and tolerant nation. We have no bloody tyrants to fear, no violent insurrections to dread, no pestilences or disasters to worry about. Our prayer is that this should ever be so. We have no restrictions on our Assemblies to function in New Testament capacity or to spread the Gospel, beyond the temporary Covid limitations. This is a great blessing that is denied to many saints, especially those in Mohammedan and communist countries.
Just as we see the world about us becoming increasingly apathetic toward the Gospel, so too are Christians becoming complacent in our affluence and taking for granted our peace and safety. Perhaps we need to visit places where these blessings are not available. At the very least, we need to get in touch with suffering saints, such as those in India’s Orissa region, where God’s people continue to be in peril at the hands of Satan’s Hindu hordes.
Pray for peace and safety today, and for those leaders who should preserve our quiet way of life. Or we might lose this great blessing. -Jim MacIntosh