Or maybe you try to come up with an alternative to the “holy rule,” so to speak. Okay, you think, I know God’s Word says this but maybe, if I do this awesome deed, I can eliminate this one thing...

One night I sat in a restaurant with two friends enjoying a lovely dinner. Somehow we got into a debate on the Scriptures, what they say, what they mean, and … well … what they really mean.

At some point I started paying attention to the Caesar Salad in front of me as friend #1 expressed her feelings on a particular theological subject.

Friday #2 said, “But what about the verse in Isaiah that says …” and then she rambled it off verbatim.

To which Friend #1 calmly said, “I just ignore that part.”

But you know what? We cannot “just ignore that part.” Or any part. Even those that make us uncomfortable … make us squirm a little.

The List

Recently I came across a verse of scripture I’ve read time and again and yet have managed to ignore or at least assume I was already adhering to its principles. It goes like this:

I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone— for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Savior (1Timothy 2: 1-3 NIV).

What caught my eye was this: for kings and all those in authority…

Anyone who knows me knows I’m not totally thrilled with our nation’s setup these days. I’m not making a political statement, I’m just giving a fact so you’ll understand better the point I’m trying to make (and a little bit of how God jerked my chain).

…for kings, it said.