Devotions: 1 Timothy
A devotion based on 1 Timothy 2:1-2.
Paul lived in the Roman Empire which included something called the Pax Romana or Roman peace. This was a double-edged sword (pun intended). On one hand, some nations enjoyed peace for the first time in centuries because of the Roman presence. However, if you were deemed to be a threat to that peace, the Romans intervened quickly and decisively. Jesus was seen as a threat to that peace and was crucified. Paul was also seen as a threat to the peace and would eventually be beheaded. And yet Paul’s command to Timothy was to pray for political leaders. There was no exception for those leaders who were not particularly nice.
The easiest target for complaints is that of political leaders. People in general, and Christians in particular, do not hesitate to complain about leaders. It is appropriate for Christians to be concerned about the actions of leaders, especially within a democratic system. At the same time, our first instinct should not be to complain but to pray. If Christians prayed for leaders with half the effort that is put into complaining, imagine the difference that could be made.
