First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, (2) for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. (3) This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, (4) who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. (5) For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, (6) who gave himself as a ransom for all, which is the testimony given at the proper time.
1 Timothy 2:1-6 ESV
During the election season, we made a point of praying for our political leaders. We really should do this all the time. In this passage, Paul encourages the church to pray for all who are in authority. He was speaking specifically of political authority, even those who were hostile to him and the gospel message. For me, the hidden nugget in this passage is in the reason for our prayers.
We pray for our leaders so that you and I, God’s children, can live quietly and peacefully. What really fascinates me is Paul’s description of our lifestyle. We are to live lives of godliness and dignity. What does that mean?
- Godliness: Our attitude toward God. Godliness is translated from the Greek word eusébeia. It’s a combination of the word for well or good and the word for worship or reverence. So the basic meaning is something like “well-reverent.” We are to live a life of devotion to God. Our lives are designed to be organized around our respect and reverence for Him. Honor and reverence for God is the central hub, the axis of our lives, the single principle from which every decision and attitude flows.
- Dignity: Our attitude toward others. The word translated “dignity,” semnotes, is one of those words that is difficult to capture in English. Other translations are honesty, reverence, integrity, and moral gravity. In Greek literature it carried connotations of someone worthy of respect due to their dignity, seriousness, or moral weight. Vincent’s Word Studies says, “exhibiting a dignity which arises from moral elevation, and thus invites reverence.” Wow!
Here’s the Point: We pray so we can be free to live lives that revolve around our devotion to God. Such lives will be so different and elevated that the world around us will see a difference that leads to respect. We are free to live with dignity, integrity and honesty. Such a life will serve the purpose of giving weight to the words we speak to those who are still trapped in the chaos of a world without a center.
Have a great, quiet, and peaceful Sunday!
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