FIRST OF ALL!

 

Thursday, November 5, 2020

 

FIRST OF ALL!

 

1 Tim 2:1-2

2 I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men;

2 For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. KJV

 

           We are still holding our breath while waiting on the outcome of this year’s presidential election. As Christians, and not partisan political devotes, what is our mode of behavior and why? Paul, as Timothy’s mentor, gives us a template for behavior in uncertain times.

 

           First of all, pray! There is much more to follow but the bedrock of our behavior is prayer. Prayer recognizes the unusual and painful circumstances and communicates that to our God. We acknowledge our confusion and weakness to control things. We appeal to God for help in our helplessness. We beg for mercy as trouble approaches. We give thanks to the God who is both omnipotent and benevolent.

 

           We must not yield to the frustration of loss. We do not have the resources of those in entertainment who threaten to move to another country. These threats are empty and meant to manipulate the world to conform to their self-important comforts. No, we must return to work, and to family, and to church. We must live as the transformed people that we claim to be.

 

           We must not riot and throw temper tantrums best suited for children. We must not cast ourselves onto the floor and kick and scream until we get our way while mothers and others observe in horror. We can and should expect stern discipline as a response. No, we must live as the transformed people that we claim to be. We must display the peaceful control which comes from the indwelling Holy Spirit of the Eternal God. We endure discomforts to insure “that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty.”

 

           We do all this because a lost world is watching.

 

1 Tim 1:16-17

16 Howbeit for this cause I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might shew forth all longsuffering, for a pattern to them which should hereafter believe on him to life everlasting.

17 Now unto the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only wise God, be honour and glory for ever and ever. Amen. KJV