Word of Encouragement (8/6/2021)
Let’s continue our reflection on Paul’s commands to Timothy to pray: “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” (1 Tim. 2:1-2). Yesterday, we talked about the importance of praying for our leaders. Today, we will focus on what we should pray for: “that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way.”
Jesus told us that we will suffer as He did: “Remember the word that I said to you: ‘A servant is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted me, they will also persecute you” (John 15:20). Paul said, “...it has been granted to you that for the sake of Christ you should not only believe in him but also suffer for his sake” (Phil. 1:29). Peter said, “Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you” (1 Pet. 4:12). James said, “Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds...” (James 1:2)—notice he said, “when you meet trials...,” not “if you meet trials....” John spoke of himself as a “partner in the tribulation and the kingdom and the patient endurance that are in Jesus” (Rev. 1:9). For Christians, suffering is not an exception but the norm. This is true even if we happen to enjoy the time of our lives at the moment. Our life can be characterized as suffering because we are not at home with Christ, because we live in this fallen world, because we know what awaits us in heaven is far better than the best this world has to offer.
It is important for us as Christians to accept this basic truth—the inevitability of suffering in our lives as long as we live in this fallen world. For one, this will help us do the right thing. How often do we shirk our responsibilities because they are unpleasant, or run away from doing the right thing because we want to avoid suffering at all costs? If we are not afraid to suffer, we will be less tempted to turn away from doing what is right. Also, we will not be so distraught when suffering comes as if something unusual were happening. Peter says, “For what credit is it if, when you sin and are beaten for it, you endure? But if when you do good and suffer for it you endure, this is a gracious thing in the sight of God” (1 Pet. 2:20). If we should suffer because of sin, we should repent, knowing that God will forgive us. We also know that even this kind of suffering comes from God’s fatherly love; He disciplines us because He loves us as our heavenly Father: “For the Lord disciplines the one he loves, and chastises every son whom he receives” (Heb. 12:6). But if we suffer for doing good, we should rejoice that we are honoring our heavenly Father through our faithfulness.
This is not to say that we should seek suffering for the sake of suffering. Christians are not ascetics or masochists. So, it is not wrong to pray for peace and stability in our society at large—thus, Paul’s command to pray for those in positions of authority so that “we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way.” Let us be faithful in praying for our leaders!