Getting Things in Perspective

I Timothy 2:3b tells us that it is God's desire for all men to be saved. If you and I are saved, then that aspect of God's desire has been fulfilled in us. As we look around us, however, that is not what we see. Sometimes even the people who come into our church are not saved. I believe that the real thrust of I Timothy chapter 2 is to urge us to create an atmosphere that enhances the gospel, certainly not one that would detract from it. Would you feel at ease if your doctor’s office was laid out like an auto mechanics garage? Prepare the stage with prayer of all kinds. Pray for governments so that there is at least not a hostility against our sharing the gospel. He's saying to the men watch the "macho" and the attitudes, Christ is the focal point not you. Lift up hands that are holy. Paul is not talking about a dress code for women, but what he is interested in is dress and behavior that allows attention to be drawn to Christ and not to suggestive clothing or make up that draws attention to you. Lifting up Christ is more important than any "rights" we might have. Time is short, the stakes are high, and the gospel is precious. When we get home, we'll receive all we have coming, all that God has prepared.