I Timothy II
…for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. (I Timothy 2:2 ESV)
King’s Job
In society, we usually expect our National Government to model our goals, priorities, and ideas. If we seek profit, we want our leaders to bring our nation to profit. If we desire power, we like our leaders to act powerfully. If we value education, we want our leaders to prioritize education.
It just makes sense.
Notice that Paul prays for his kings to enable citizens to have peaceful and quiet life… more than that, Godly and dignified lives.
Because Paul, not just as a preacher and Bible-writer… but as a Christian, yearns for a peaceful, quiet, Godly, and dignified life.
He does not yearn for power, because Paul knows Christ IS power. Paul does not yearn for profit because Paul knows Jesus’ words: "For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?" (Mark 8:36)
He does not yearn for vain knowledge, because he seeks wisdom… in Christ.
So Paul prays that the King, his King, his leaders, will bring to reality what Paul knows society needs.
Let’s join him in that prayer, even in these later years. We still need it.