Tranquility and Dignity

   Lately, the Lord has been impressing upon my life the need for more character and dignity. Many would quickly lump the second in with the first, and maybe they might be right, but 1 Timothy 2:2 may make a case for a subtle distinction between the two.
"... so that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity."
In my last post, I mentioned the dynamic of being lost among the throng of neighborly people who do right by others but have no functional knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ or who outright deny Him. Maybe this dignity piece is a way for us to stand out again. 
   Our culture seems sorely lacking this trait. Simply walking down the street or turning on the television is, or should be, more than enough to convince someone (if they were to be truly honest about what they saw and heard or maybe what they didn't see or hear). Interestingly enough, Mr. Rogers of television fame, got into the business because he did not approve of how the medium of television was being used at the time. He thought it was deplorable that throwing pies in other people's faces was considered "entertainment" for children. What would he think today???
   It's also interesting to see how this word "σεμνότης" (sem-no'-tās) has been translated through out the years- dignity, gravity, honesty, holiness, purity. Admittedly, this verse is a call for us to pray for our leaders so that we can live a dignified life and that definition maybe tied up in some relation of not being humiliated or used for sport in the Colosseum. But I believe Paul's meaning here carries over to our daily lives as well. You hardly hear of someone being "dignified" any more, or if you do, maybe your first thought is of someone who can't seem to loosen their shirt collar and have a little fun; or maybe it comes with some extra baggage like being snooty or having some holier-than-thou attitude mixed in somehow. 
   I think this is where the "tranquility" comes into play. How many of us can claim that tranquility and quietness typify our daily lives? Do we seek out a peaceful atmosphere to spend the majority of our time? Do we help or hinder creating this type of environment? Do we trust God enough to actually spend devoted time alone with Him in significant portions of our day? These things don't necessarily equate to dignity either, but the Word says there is some sort of connection. We must also trust the Lord enough to be guided by the Holy Spirit in active faith and seek to respond to situations in godliness (character) and dignity. I might even be willing to go so far as to say that dignity is, or should be, the vehicle with which we carry out godliness. Think about it for a second... what would love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control be without dignity? They would be coarse and, dare I say, have less (if any) impact.
   Don't get me wrong, I'm not calling for the end of humor or any such thing; after all, who doesn't love a good pie in the face gag {sorry about that time in Pittsburgh, Nichole}. But in connection with needing to significantly stand out (being seasoned properly with salt, a light to the world, etc.) I feel that this tranquility/dignity piece can go a long way in this day and age, and might just be a key to sustained impact with the people you minister to.

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