GODLINESS AND HONESTY.1st Timothy 2:2. Being a loyal follower of Christ doesn’t mean I have no responsibility to those in authority in my town, state, and country. As a believer in the Lord Jesus Christ, I am called to submit to the laws of society where I live or visit. Sin is lawlessness, and lawlessness is an attitude of rebellion that rejects and refuses control outside of one's own self-interest. God has established those in authority to prevent lawlessness.
I may not agree with the people in leadership positions, but I am obligated to pray for them and submit to them. Through prayer on their behalf, my loyalty and responsibility to God remain intact. Any disobedience to those in authority is only acceptable if it aligns with my higher loyalty to God and His will - not for my personal reasons.
God establishes governments and grants them divine authority and responsibility. Their purpose is to promote good behavior and discipline bad behavior. Our duty to the government is to pay taxes and live respectably and honorably. Governments are divine institutions, like families and churches. They are meant to be vital in keeping a safe and balanced society. Without some form of government, there would be violence, chaos, and anarchy.
I must conscientiously show proper regard and respect for those who hold office and those who wear the uniform of the designated authority. The "sword" of their authority proves their right to enforce the laws they represent. Therefore, I am to respect them. I am to submit not only to representatives of the government with genuine respect but also to those who hold a position of honor because of their work, position, or ability.
“Godliness” is before God, and “a peaceable life” is before men. When they are linked, there is power when the godliness that God sees and implants in me can be reflected publicly through honesty in business and spoken words. The first starts with love and a deep inner desire to be like the Lord Jesus Christ, who, though in every way much higher, has left us an example that we should walk in His steps. It is only fitting for those saved by His grace to be like Him in life, love, and speech.
In the past, people noticed those who had been with Jesus. I wonder what impression they have or what they say when they see us. Godliness comes from learning to think like God, which comes from carefully listening to His Word. If we have godliness, then we need to consider that unbelievers have expectations of us that they don’t have of each other. They expect me to do my best in my work, and if someone needs help, I will lend a hand.
Honesty in life isn’t limited to my business. People in my family have the right to see that I conduct myself honestly and with integrity. Even closer than those in my family is what my wife observes because she can tell without question if I am acting honestly. These two things go together so I can be what God intends. What I am inside shows in my actions, how I spend my time and energy, and what I consider important. The most important thing is what God perceives in me. If godliness and honesty are in proper order, He can use what people see for His purposes. A soft heart touched by the Lord and a genuine concern for others are of great value in intercessory prayer.