As Christians, we are called to be active in the world in which we live.  We aren’t called to sit back and be passive, we are called to lean into culture, to really make a difference in the places that we live.

How?  One way to is to work to make things different.  Work with those in need. Work with children.  Work with families.  Be faithful in your church and the ministries of the church.  Little things like this; they make a huge difference in our lives, and in the communities we live in.

But that is not all that we are called to do.  Listen to Paul’s instruction to Timothy today in 1 Timothy 2: 1-4:

1First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings should be made for everyone, 2for kings and all who are in high positions, so that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and dignity. 3This is right and is acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour, 4who desires everyone to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.

Paul tells Timothy to pray for everyone, for kings and those in high authority.

Ok, let’s take a moment and think about what kings and those in high authority to doing to Christians at that moment when Paul wrote this.  Let’s think about what kings and those in high authority are doing to Paul at the moment he wrote this.  Let’s remember what the leaders did to Jesus, as well.

The leaders of Paul’s day are killing those that are following Jesus.  Paul will be martyred for his faith not long after this letter.  Go look throughout Acts and see how he and other Apostles are treated by kings and those in high authority.

They aren’t just being mean to Christians.  They are murdering them.

And Paul says this.  Pray for these people.

Why?  So you can live a peaceable life.

And because God wants everyone to be saved.  And the further they are away from God, they more they need Him.  Our prayers can have a huge effect on those that are far away coming to know Jesus.

Today, work for good in your community.  In your schools.  On your ballfields.  In your office.  Everywhere you are.

And pray for those that are in leadership.  Especially if you disagree with them!  Pray for God to show them truth.  Pray for God to direct them.  Pray for God to guide them.  I know it may be hard, but those in leadership, especially the ones that you may believe are wrong, only the power of God can truly change them.

Pray for your leaders in your local community.  Your state.  Our nation.  Pray for God to be at work, doing great things.  Pray for our churches.  Pray for those that need Jesus.

Pray.

Because prayer truly makes a difference.

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