To LIve Peaceful and Quiet Lives

A Devotional by Margot Cioccio

“[Instructions on Worship] I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone— for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.” 1 Timothy 2:1-2 NIV1984

Seems like a good verse for the day after a major election here in America. Weather or not the people elected were the ones you wanted to win, we are urged to pray, and to be thankful. 

I am thankful that our election process was peaceful. I am glad that women can vote. I am glad that Mormons and people of color can run to be president. We've come a long way on some things. 

My son found a pamphlet about Women's Suffrage and was reading it out loud in our kitchen today. 

"Vote No on Woman Suffrage because it unwise to risk the good we already have for the evil which may occur." 



Can you imagine how great the fear of Petticoat rule must have been at the time. 

We fear change, and we fear what we don't know or understand. We fear people who are different than us. We turn them into monsters and throw stones at them. We fear what will rock the boat what may change our way of life. 

In this day after the elections I am reminded of Proverbs 21:1 that says 
"The king's heart is in the hand of the LORD; he directs it like a watercourse wherever he pleases."

The men and women elected are not perfect people. They will bring a variety of gifts and talents and perspectives to the table. In and through them all God is working and accomplishing his plans and purposes in this world that He created. 

I think of Matthew 5 about Salt and LIght. 

13“You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled by men.

14“You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. 15Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. 16In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.

Prayer: Lord make us salty, may we each shine for you in the places you have placed us to be ambassadors for your kingdom. Lord help us not to allow fear to manipulate us into believing the worst about people but help us to see the good. Help us to pray and encourage those who would serve in places of leadership. Lord we pray for the men and women who have been elected and ask that you would work in their lives. Help them make wise and good decisions. We pray that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.