Paul's Parenting Principles- I Timothy 2:1-3

I Timothy 2:1-3

I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men: For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour.

These verses are timely, considering here in the US we just had our midterm elections. We again had the privilege and responsibility to elect our leaders. But how often, once the election season is over, do we remember to pray for them? And not just that God would get rid of them in the next election, but really, truly, pray for them. Those words, supplication, prayers and intercessions mean to implore God's aid, addressing ourselves to God and an interview. This is more that a quick 5 minutes every 2 or 4 years. It means keeping up with what is going on in the House, Senate, White House, all of it, so we can pray specifically for the people and issues are facing our states, country and the world.

We are supposed to pray, beg God to change their hearts when needed and to express thankfulness for God's blessings in all things. Here, for now, we have freedom. We might not always have it, but we do for now, so let us make the best we can of it, by showing gratefulness for our freedom, even if it only means we have the right to disagree with the powers that be.

Encourage your children to pray for their leaders; for the salvation of the lost and for strength for the saved. Show them by your example, whether it's a once a week special prayer time or every morning at breakfast or just before bed, that praying for those in authority over us matters to you. Remember that in teaching them respect for the authority of the "kings" and "all that are in authority", you are reinforcing respect for yourself and your husband and for God. It is a lifestyle and character we are training, not allegiance to a party or a system

We all want quiet and peaceable lives, this is one of the ways to have such a life. If you aren't willing to work for it, and that includes something as simply as prayer, you can't complain when it disappears. And if our children see us engaged and ready to engage, they will grow up copying those behaviors too.

Blessings!