Living a quiet, peaceable, and Godly life is what the Lord wants of us.

1 Timothy 2:1-8

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“Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.” 1 Timothy 2:1-4

The Holy Spirit is letting us know that we cannot oppose others and share the Gospel of Jesus Christ with them at the same time. How can we protest and riot in the streets against those in authority and speak of Jesus who died for them to atone for their sin? This is said about our Lord Jesus, “He will not quarrel nor cry out, nor will anyone hear His voice in the streets.” Matthew 12:19 [quoted from Isaiah 42:2].

We cannot throw “rocks” at people, be hostile, hold grudges, be disrespectful, be argumentative, etc. and still let the light of Jesus Christ shine through us. “You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt loses its flavor, how will it be seasoned?…“You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden… Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.” Matthew 5:13-14, 16

Today’s culture thrives on conflict designed to make living in the presence of the Holy Spirit as undesirable as possible. The purpose is to drive people to the beast who gives worldly peace as it gives people what to feel, think, say, and do. This is a process of behavior modification where negative feedback is given for unwanted behaviors and positive feedback is given for wanted behaviors. The Holy Spirit speaks these words to us, “…be subject to rulers and authorities, to obey, to be ready for every good work, to speak evil of no one, to be peaceable, gentle, showing all humility to all men.” Titus 3:1-2

Living a quiet and peaceable life in Godliness and reverence is good and acceptable in the eyes of God our Lord. Engaging in debates, “tits-for tats”, protests, riots, and conflict are ways to alienate people from the Good News sent through Jesus Christ. God desires all people to be saved, not to be shouted at, belittled, demeaned, opposed, condemned, and otherwise facing conflict from others. “For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved.” John 3:17

“For there is one God and one Mediator between God and men, the Man Christ Jesus, who gave Himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time, for which I was appointed a preacher and an apostle—I am speaking the truth in Christ and not lying—a teacher of the Gentiles in faith and truth. I desire therefore that the men pray everywhere, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting…” 1 Timothy 2:5-8

In today’s world, there is nothing more open to debate and conflict than the statement, “For there is one God and one Mediator between God and men, the Man Christ Jesus…”. As followers of Jesus Christ, we know in our heart that truth, but we keep our silence rather than stepping into a verbal or physical “slugfest”. As our Lord Jesus says, “Do not give what is holy to the dogs; nor cast your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn and tear you in pieces.” Matthew 7:6 Even so, we are always eager to share our born-again experience, which is the Gospel of Christ written on our heart, wherever the good soil is. “I desire therefore that the men pray everywhere, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting…”

“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” John 3:16

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“….to you who do not hold to her teaching and have not learned Satan’s so-called deep secrets,“
‘I will not impose any other burden on you, except to hold on to what you have until I come.’”
“I am coming soon. Hold on to what you have, so that no one will take your crown.”
Revelation 2:24-25, 3:11