When you contemplate the great men who have been our country’s leaders in times past, do you get nostalgic?
Sadly, such contemplation leads to disappointment. We don’t have leaders now like we had in our country’s early history. We’re not the Christian nation we once were.
Not only does this say a lot about our leaders, but it says much about who we are as people. Our country is declining and has been for decades.
We’re exhorted in the Scriptures to pray for our leaders. Why do you think that is? Because they deserve it?
No, most often they don’t.
Should we pray for them because we want them to do the right thing?
Yes, that’s part of it.
But there’s another reason I don’t hear spoken of. Here’s the Apostle Paul’s exhortation.
In 1 Timothy 2:1-4 Paul says,
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; Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.
Did you notice the phrase I put in italics?
This has nothing to do with reforming government, political parties or changing our form of government. Our leaders may be wise or foolish, morel or immoral. It doesn’t matter.
So why pray for them?
Because we want them to leave us alone.
That way we can lead quiet and godly lives. Then we can preach the Gospel unhindered. This is so others will have opportunity to come to Christ.
The significance of this for believers must not be underestimated.