First of all, then, I urge that entreaties and prayers, petitions and thanksgivings, be made on behalf of all men, for kings and all who are in authority, so that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity. This is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior…
1 Timothy 2:1-3

On this American Independence Day holiday let me share a few random thoughts from these verses.

“First of all, then…” That is how the passage begins, reminding Timothy (and us) the importance of what follows. Friends, this is important!—especially in the tumultuous times in which we live.

Second, let us not forget the essential necessity of prayer. Let us never forget or undervalue James’ word on the subject:

James 4:2-3 You lust and do not have; so you commit murder. You are envious and cannot obtain; so you fight and quarrel. You do not have because you do not ask. 3 You ask and do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, so that you may spend it on your pleasures.

Third, let us not neglect to pray for our government and for those who lead our government. Pray that we might be able to lead tranquil and quiet lives in all godliness and dignity. This means many things, not the least of which is not becoming political junkies and/or those unnerved by politics. As bad as things are in our nation, which has largely forsaken God, Jesus is still the King of kings. Our ultimate citizenship is in His kingdom, which is eternal and cannot fail!

Fourth, let us pray for those who lead our government with the next verse in 1 Timothy in mind:

…who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.
1 Timothy 2:4

Pray not only for governmental leaders to make wise decisions and enact biblical laws—but that they may be saved through faith in Jesus Christ.

Lastly, let us remember on this Independence Day that the only safe and wise independence rests in absolute dependence on Jesus Christ as Lord!