A Quiet and Peaceable Life

This meditation is based on a passage for February 15, 2011 in the Daily Lectionary Year 1 from the Book of Common Worship for the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) (1993).

Text: 1 Timothy 1:18-2:15

Reflection and Question: Paul clearly has great affection for Timothy, and in this passage he is sending him the best instruction and advice he can give to a young preacher and teacher. This passage contains the verses that are still used by some to justify second- class status for women in the church: “I permit no woman to teach or to have authority over a man; she is to keep silent.” For Paul, this inequality would help Timothy and the church “lead a quiet and peaceable life,” but perhaps would not help the woman who has gifts to give, nor the church to thrive by receiving those gifts. How do you continue in faith with modesty?

Prayer: Dearest Jesus, our deepest desire to lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and dignity. Please show us how. Open the way to knowledge of the truth. Clothe us with good works so that we may live in faith and love and holiness. Amen.