Nothing really exciting happened during the eight-year administration of President James Monroe. In fact, things were so quiet they called it the "Era of Good Feeling." And when he chose to run for a second term in 1820, Monroe received 231 of 232 electoral votes. However, out of this quiet administration came the famous Monroe Doctrine which has helped preserve our peace and property throughout the years. There are some who say the test of a great president is a time of trouble. However, it would seem a truly great president is one who keeps us out of trouble.
Paul, writing to the young pastor at Ephesus, seems to suggest this idea when he admonished him and the Christians to strive for peace and freedom from trouble. Then he goes on to mention: For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior (1 Timothy 2:3). We have lived in turmoil so long that we think peace might be boring. How wrong this idea is! Far more can be done in peace than in war.
In a troubled world, it would be well for Christians to pledge themselves to an "Era of Good Feeling." By doing so, we will attract others to us and to our Christ. Paul suggests this can be done through prayer. He admonished: I desire therefore that the men pray everywhere, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting (I Timothy 2:8).
“I urge you, first of all, to pray for all people. Ask God to help them; intercede on their behalf, and give thanks for them. Pray this way for kings and all who are in authority so that we can live peaceful and quiet lives marked by godliness and dignity.”
1 Timothy 2:1-2 NLT
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