Impartial Intercession

1 Timothy 2:1-4

Pray this way for kings and all who are in authority so that we can live peaceful and quiet lives marked by godliness and dignity. (1 Timothy 2:2)

ONE OF THE MOST REFRESHING benefits of a liberal democracy is the freedom of its citizens to criticize their leaders. Gone are the days when a negative comment resulted in a fine, imprisonment, or even death. The majority in a democracy rules, and, at least in theory, the leaders serve. But while that freedom to criticize has its place in holding leaders accountable, it can also undermine an important spiritual principle: that Christians are to pray for their government, even when they don’t like the people at the head of it.

Paul’s instructions to Timothy were written long before modern liberal democracies, of course. Greece and Rome had some degree of democratic representation at times, but the New Testament was written in an age of imperial rule. Emperors and local rulers had quite a bit of autonomy. Some were good, some were bad, and some were downright evil. Still, we are told to pray for them—to intercede on their behalf, to seek their welfare, to even give thanks for them (verse 1). In praying for the welfare of our leaders, we are also praying for the welfare of the church. When society goes well, the benefits tend to apply to almost everyone. When it goes badly at the top, the ill effects are passed down. Our prayers are critical in seeking God’s blessing in our communities, our cities, and our nations.

Far too many Christians spend more time complaining about the ways of the world than asking God to intervene in them. This may be a democratic response, but it is not at all a priestly one. You do not want to be the kind of salt that’s unnecessarily rubbed in wounds or the light that needlessly blinds. Your mission is to bless in truth but also in love. Use your prayers generously, applying them even to leaders you didn’t vote for. Seek God’s goodness for all—the church, secular society, and the people in positions to strengthen both.

{Lord, give me the courage to express my opinion and the humility to bless those who disagree with it. Give our leaders wisdom to do good things, even when they don’t know you. Strengthen the church by strengthening the society we live in. Amen.