1 First of all, then, I urge that petitions, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for everyone, 2 for kings and all those who are in authority, so that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity. (1 Timothy 2:1-2 CSB)
It is not easy to pray for those we do not share the same views with. This is especially true in this country today when it comes to political views. Administrations come and administrations go and people beat their political viewpoint drum so everyone can hear. But this typically does nothing but divide us as a people.
If you could lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity, would you do it?
Would you stop beating your viewpoint drum and simply live at peace with everyone?
Some would quickly say yes, because that is their desired lifestyle. Others would hesitate and want to continue to have strong opinions about what they saw as fit. To be honest, if we are to live a strong faith life we have a drum to beat to. But ours is to be done in love and peace and not with rhetoric and bluster. We win people over to Christ by loving on them, not by trying to convince them we are right.
It is only when others see God’s love through us that a door is opened.
If I can live a peaceful, tranquil and quiet life I surely would. But I live for Christ and I desire to live for others and this may not always provide these things. It may require sacrifice for me and pointing to a viewpoint that is scripturally based and does not necessarily fit within a world view.
