People always say you should never discuss religion or politics.  I think I'll go for the Daily Double and do both.   Actually, I'll let the Apostle Paul do it.

If you have your Bible handy, turn to 1 Timothy 2:1-4:

¹I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone—

²for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.

³This is good, and pleases God our Savior,

⁴who wants all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.

There can be little argument that Americans are becoming increasingly divided over political ideologies.  You see it in the Opinion Pages of the local newspaper; you see it on television and on the Internet.   People are always railing against the current Administration (or the last one).  No one seems happy and everyone has a solution.   Most "solutions" involve looking forward to the next election.   The Scripture cited above, though, cites the importance of praying for the current Leadership.     

Here is the uncomfortable question: do you prayer for our government leaders?   Paul gives some very good reasons for doing so.  Let's break it down:

1)  That (in order that) we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.

2)   Doing so pleases God

3)  God wants all men (including government officials) to be saved and come to the knowledge of the truth.  

I'm sure that at least a few of you reading this column will be tempted to argue: "But so-and-so doesn't deserve to be prayed for!" Well...do any of us DESERVE it?   If we go on merit all of us are in trouble.  All of us who are Christians have been touched by the grace of Christ.   He wants to touch all people.

Let's make it our goal this week to pray that that happens.....for our leaders.

See you soon!

Bill