It is true that we are living in an age of political animosity and social unrest.  We have come to question the actions and motives of every aspect of government.  From our foundations we have been the Outspoken Nation, one that fearlessly defends the oppressed and stands firm against tyranny.  

God created us to uplift and encourage one another.  We are called to love, honor and accept people where they are at, everyone.  God has never asked us to give our approval to the world, however,  just as Christ died for us we must be crucified in our thought life of all the bad things we want to say against people in order to bring them to a proper understanding of his love. It is a matter of being dead to self and alive to Christ. (Romans 6) We have not once been asked by God to share our personal preferences on the matter, only to love, serve and pray for one another including our leaders.

 

 We will make far greater of an impact if we communicate 
respect and honor
while standing on the truth of God’s word.
 

First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way.  This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all people to be saved and come to the knowledge of the truth.  1 Timothy 2:1-4

 

Nero ruled Rome when Paul wrote to these instructions to young Timothy.  Adopted by his great uncle Claudius, Nero was not the legitimate ruler of Rome.  He is accredited with  focusing on diplomacy and encouraging trade as well as enhancing the culture of the Roman Empire.  However, the end of his life is stained with heinous acts of murder, including his own mother.  Many accounts paint Nero as the ruler who played the fiddle to the cries of Christians who were set as torches to light his own garden.  In light of all this, Paul still makes it clear in these first verses he writes to Timothy that we are meant to pray for those who rule over us.  

 

 We have not once been asked by God to share our personal preferences on the matter,
only to love, serve and pray for our leaders.

 

The Constitution is the framework that holds our precious freedoms together and our government in check.  We have the responsibility to actively engage our right to participate in government.  We will make far greater of an impact if we communicate in love while standing on the truth of God’s word.  

 

“Words that don’t give the light of Christ increase the darkness.”  Mother Teresa 

Stasia is mother to six beautiful children and wife to a dedicated, loving husband.  They have served as a family together on the mission field on four continents for nearly 30 years.  Stasia’s passion is to share in true colors the grace of God in her life.  You can read more about her and the ministry of the Women’s Bible Cafe.  Stasia is the CEO of  LifeVerse Books and you can Subscribe to LVB to receive regular free and discounted book deals and timely reviews. If this article has blessed you in any small way, please consider showing your support by clicking subscribe in the upper right corner.  Copyright© 2015 Stasia Nielsen All Rights Reserved