who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.
1 Timothy 2:1-4
i always wanted to write this but never had i chance to.
it is REALLY SUPER EXTREMELY IMPORTANT to pray for our leaders no matter in which positions.
i am guilty for taking leaders for granted
thinking that they are always fine and things will always go well for them. but i fail to know that we are still humans after all!
it is important to pray for them because they need your support, encouragement and God is please when you do so :)
1. pray of thankfulness
the passage above tells us that we should be thankful for those who God has placed in the leadership position. no matter what you think of them personally, respect/dont respect, like/dont like, agree in their doings/not. they are specially chosen and appointed by God!
God establish rulers to enforce justice and commend those who do good (1 peter 2:14). therefore we should thank God specifically for them and His use for them for your good and His glory.
2. pray for guidance
these leaders are appointed by God to uphold justice and affirm good so we should pray that the Lord gives them guidance in fulfilling this duty. these leaders wants to build up a ministry that is for God, gives glory to God and cater to help the needs of the people. we should not always complain that we dont like certain way the ministry is functioning and the way things are working out, neither should we gossip behind the back of the leaders about certain issues whether is it about them or the ministry. if we have any thoughts or ideas on how certain things should be, we have to speak up and express it to them. leaders are humans too and they need advices and comments. i agree they are not always right. if we really have a heart for God, His leaders and people, we should express to them what we feel in love. talking behind their backs or keeping to ourselves are not useful isnt it? those who really have a heart in the furtherance of the kingdom of God should always seek to want to improve God's ministry and people. we aint no champion or respectful people if we sit there despising and judging things/people. therefore God's guidance is needed for them to make both wise and sensible decisions.
3. pray for salvation
above wisdom and guidance is needed for the leaders, they also have to be saved! in verse 4 above, "desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth". if the leaders are not walking right with God or are not saved, how then can they lead/point people to God to be save? therefore we do not assume that they are walking right/close to God at certain point of time, but always pray for their salvation and relationship with God.
i know i may be a little harsh in writing this but i want you to know the importance of our leaders.
so let us be encouraged to spend time in prayer for the leaders whether in small role or big,
in this the Lord is pleased.
