First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.

1 Timothy 2:1-4

This morning I spoke for a few minutes with an unassuming older (than me) man who told me a little about his missions work in his church. Next month he will lead a team to Rwanda and I could see hear his enthusiasm for the work in his voice.

Paul’s life was a life on mission. Notice Paul’s desire to “lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way.” Paul wasn’t interested in necessarily creating a name for himself. Paul’s single desire was to influence all people that they might come to know the truth where salvation is found in Christ alone as Paul describes in the next verse –

For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus

1 Timothy 2:5

Paul’s used of the word dignified here is intriguing. My dictionary tells me dignified means “having or showing a composed or serious manner that is worthy of respect.”

Paul’s view was that the Gospel presented a clear answer to a life and death question. Living a life worthy of respect gains credibility and opens doors to speak to others about what is most important.