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Lessons in Prayer - 1 Timothy 2:1-8 - Our Attitudes

I'm still working through this same passage on prayer from 1 Timothy and I won't copy all the verses but you can read from the beginning to have a better understanding of the full passage.

"...That we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way.  This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior." - 1 Timothy 2:2b-3

Paul's plea for Timothy here is for the church to live peaceful and quiet lives.  So how do we do that?  Well the thought of peacefulness is a life that is free from internal disturbances or distractions.  We must first be at peace with ourselves before we can be at peace with others.  A quiet life is one that flows from being peaceful and is a life free from external disturbances and distractions. 

Now this does not mean that the church is to just go along with whatever the world says in order to be peaceful.  We are not to waver on biblical truth period.  You won't find true Christians saying that some decisions being made by our country today are okay.  But we are also not to cause disturbances and unrest through violence over matters of opinion, so be careful that what you're standing up for is biblical and not just your personal preference.  Titus 3:1-4 tells us, "Remind them to be submissive to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good work, to speak evil of no one, to avoid quarreling, to be gently, and to show perfect courtesy toward all people.  For we ourselves were once foolish, disobedient, led astray, slaves to various passions and pleasures, passing our days in malice and envy, hated by others and hating one another.  But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our savior appeared, he saved us."

Back to Paul's letter to Timothy, he called the church to live godly and dignified.  So what does that mean.  Godliness is a call to a life of reverence toward God, it is our attitude and actions before our Lord.  I read several ideas off a blog that offered some guidance on godliness:
- Godliness is the reverent awareness of God's sovereignty over every aspect of life, and the attendant determination to honor him in all one's conduct.
- Godliness depends on knowing God's revealred truth.
- The godly person is committed to obeying God in the world.
- Godliness is costly.

Being dignified is better translated as moral goodness.  Instead of reverence toward God, it is more so our attitude and behavior toward our fellow man.

Dear Heavenly Father,
I pray today for my attitude, and for all Christians' attitudes.  Lord, help us to be both strong and compassionate, unyielding on spiritual truth, but loving and compromising with others to share your great message of hope.  We know we are not to be conformed by this world, but that we are to adhere to your Word.  Father, I pray for peace for all people today, that we are happy and joyful internally with ourselves through the hope we have in you.  I pray that we can live quiet lives today, free from turmoil and distractions.  And Father I pray that you make me more like you today, that I would treat others as you would and that they will see something different in my life so I can point them to you.  Thank you for all that you have done for me Lord.  Amen.

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