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These are strong words from which people may recoil.

A young pastor is taught that a priority responsibility is to pray for those in authority.

Have you ever noticed that it is almost impossible to criticise a person for whom you are praying?

Before a man concerns himself with being an elder, leader or teacher, he is to be known as a man of prayer. He is to stand in the gap and prayerfully intercede for those in Government.

The word ‘intercession’, at that time, in the days of Jesus and Peter and Paul, was used for petitioning a king.

As disciples of Jesus Christ we are urged to approach the throne of God, bringing the concerned needs of others, presenting them before God. We are taught to do this with thanksgiving. Be a person who is grateful.

Be plentiful and generous with your thanks. Some people can live for a month with a word of thankful appreciation.

If we prayed more for those in leadership and Government, there might be less to criticise.

We are to pray for all in authority, and not only those with whom we may agree. Why? So that we may live peaceable and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. There are not many of these qualities and characteristics around us in the world just now.

These words regarding praying for leadership were written at a time when leaders were cruel, and the Roman Emperor was beginning to consider himself to be a god.

One disciple of Jesus Christ, under severe pressure, said, “I will not worship the Emperor, but I promise to pray for him”.

We do not sit silent when we see something wrong. However, we are virtually forbidden to criticise, but commanded to pray.

Timothy learns that this is good, and pleases God. There’s high motivation!

One powerful leader, Joshua, approaching death, said, “Choose this day whom you will serve, but as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord”.

Joshua had enjoyed the finest training available at that time, and when promoted, he led with wisdom and integrity. Wisdom is very different from being clever. Educate a rebel and all you end up with is an educated rebel!

How do we get wisdom? We ask God for wisdom. He is willing to give generously to all, without finding fault. He is not going to rebuke the man who approaches Him by asking, “Why did you not come to Me sooner?”

But when we ask, we are taught to believe and not doubt.

Doubt and fear can neutralise whatever Almighty God may want to do in our lives.

A man came to Jesus one day, with his very sick son, saying, “If You can do anything, please heal my boy”. Jesus said, “If?” “Everything is possible for him who believes.” “I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief.”

That was good enough for Jesus. There is such honesty here. A tiny seed of belief is all that can be needed at the start. It is good to know that we do not need answers to all our questions, nor everybody else’s questions.

Jesus Christ healed that boy.

Throwing money at problems will never resolve nor solve all the difficulties. To do that requires a Person. That is why God sent Jesus into this world of darkness, pain, and confusion.

Afghanistan and Kenya would have no problems today if pouring in money was the answer!

So who are we going to choose to govern our nation?

Whoever emerges, it is the responsible task and duty of disciples of Jesus Christ to pray for those elected.

"'Winging It" from Stan Smith

Moralism