1Timothy 2:3 - How To Make God Happy - Get It, Got It, Freely Give It

”This is beautiful and pleasing in the face of God our Savior.”

-So this thing we are to do, praying for all men and especially for our leaders and those who are over us?  We do this for them, yes, and we do this for ourselves, yes, for the benefits which accrue to both parties, but more than that we do this for Him.  For Jesus.  Our Savior.  Our God.  We do this for Him - ‘cuz it makes Him look really good, AND it makes Him really happy.  It gives Him great pleasure, when His children are giving grace to those around them.  Free, undeserved favor.  The same favor He has first shown to us.  It shows that we get it.  It shows that we got it, that we really have received His grace, and that we understand the nature of things.  I need grace.  You need grace.  All God’s people need grace.  Our leaders need grace.  We need to give them grace (cf Ephesians 4.29).  With our words.  With our deeds.  In our praying - FOR them.  We do this, not because this person has earned it or deserves it.  Nope.  They very well may not deserve it.  But neither do we.  And if I can’t embrace that truth, then I probably need a new understanding of my own need for grace and how amazing and undeserved it really is.  

-Think about it tho, this making-the-Lord-happy thing.  Really, are there many prouder moments for a parent than when we see our child get it, when they display some maturity, when they manifest some kind, generous, selfless act for another?  Usually out of the blue?  Assuming that’s your value system.  Which, of course, is precisely what Jesus values...  But consider the possibilities of this situation.  Consider that this selfless act of praying for another, for this leader and for all men, increases the likelihood of God moving in their heart - especially when an entire assembly of believers is interceding on their behalf.  Consider as well how the very fact of my praying for this person(s) facilitates the work which God is doing in my own heart.  It centers my devotion and dependence on Him, and further frees His Spirit to continue to produce His fruit in and through my life.  Godliness and reverence.  Love and joy and peace.  Kindness and faithfulness.  These things do indeed beautify the name of the One whose Name we name.  They show off His goodness, the reality of His very existence, to all those around.  And yes, this all makes Him extremely happy.