Two days ago we had the inauguration of a new president in the United States.  Though there were many protesting voices it was a peaceful transfer of government.  I was particularly impressed with Reverend Franklin Graham’s prayer as it was the very words of Scripture.  He read the words of the Apostle Paul in 1 Timothy 2:1-6.
 
“I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone--  Vs.1
For kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.  Vs. 2
This is good, and pleases God our Savior,  Vs. 3 
who wants all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.  Vs. 4
For there is one God and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus,  Vs. 5
Who gave himself as a ransom for all men--the testimony given in its proper time.”  Vs.6
 
This admonition is laid out so simply and wonderfully for Believers to see, understand and adhere to.  We are those lights in the world not to be hidden, but to shine forth so that men and women will see our good deeds and praise our Heavenly Father.  As Jesus Himself said in Matthew 5 in His Sermon on the Mount.
 
“You are the light of the world.  A city on a hill cannot be hidden.  Vs. 14 
Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl.  Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house.  Vs. 15
IN THE SAME WAY, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.”  Vs. 16
(My emphasis)
 
In Ephesians 5 we see, 
“For  you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord.  Live as children of light  Vs. 8
(for the fruit of light consists of all goodness, righteousness and truth) and find out what pleases the Lord.”  Vs. 9
 
As God’s chosen people, Colossians 3:12-13 tells us,
“Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.  Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another.  Forgive as the Lord forgave you.” 
 
When we accepted Savior Jesus our Lord and were born again, God gave us the Holy Spirit, the Spirit of Truth to dwell in us.  He is the One who leads, guides and develops His fruit in each one. 
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.  Galatians 5:22-23
And verse 25,
“Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.”
 
Let us recognize it so in each of us as Paul said of himself in Galatians 2:20,
“I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me.  The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.”
 
Thank you Father for the light of Christ in Your people.  Help us to be all that You have apprehended us to be.  And may we each keep in prayer those in authority for our peace, but above all that You dear Father, Son and Holy Spirit be praised, honored and glorified in the earth.  Amen