The Quiet and Peaceable Life

"Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, ² for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence."

1 Timothy 2:1-2

In his famous Gettysburg address during the Civil War, president Abraham Lincoln spoke of government of the people, by the people and for the people--all prefaced with the statement, "under God."  Due to the democratic forms of government that allow people to vote in elections, the fact God presides over the appointment of those in authority can be dismissed or forgotten.  For all citizens it is wise to look beyond a ruler whether they are revered or despised by men and to the God who moves their hearts like the turning of a river (Proverbs 21:1).

Paul exhorted Timothy and fellow believers in Christ to offer supplications, prayers, intercessions and giving of thanks for all men, for kings and all in authority.  These earnest petitions, requests in prayer and giving of thanks were to be faithfully offered to the end all may lead a "quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence."  Depending on where you live or the political climate, it might be more common to sign petitions to oust a governor than to make petitions known before God with thanksgiving.  We can be swept up in praying against people rather than giving God thanks for them.  How far short of Paul's exhortation we fall when we hope to gain political sway towards our desired end rather than leading a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence.

When it comes to politics, these days it is the antithesis of quiet and peaceable.  News reports are full of people shouting at rallies, protesting, amplifying their frustrations with loudspeakers.  There is nothing wrong with using the voices God has given us to speak forth His truth in love, our lives ought to be attended with all godliness and reverence.  We are to have the humble mind of Jesus Christ and demonstrate reverence and respect for others even if they view us as opponents or enemies.  The Greek word for "reverence" is also translated "dignity."  This is the quality of being worthy of honour and respect, being composed and calm.  If we lack this godly demeanor in our thoughts and conversation we miss the mark even should our views be biblically spot on.

Let us take to heart this exhortation from God's word personally, to give thanks for everyone--whether they are a sovereign by birth, selected by a political party, elected by constituents or a fellow citizen on the other side of the aisle.  We are called to submit to the KING OF KINGS Jesus Christ who has all authority in heaven and on earth.  Jesus IS the authority, and thus we are never at the mercy of democracy or despots.  Our peace can never come from who is on "capital hill" but what Jesus accomplished on Calvary's hill.  Because Jesus is our peace we can lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence, knowing His reign is eternal and He is good.