Readings for today: Proverbs 27-29
I remember vividly staring at my ballot in 2020. I had done my research on each candidate. Studied each party platform. Read through all the ballot initiatives. And I found myself deeply conflicted. I remember thinking to myself, “This is the best we can do? 330 million people in the United States and this is the best we can come up with? Where are the godly leaders? Those who pursue righteousness and justice? Those who love mercy and walk in humility? Those who think not of themselves but have a heart to serve?” Perhaps it is my natural cynicism speaking but I get tired of picking the “lesser of two evils.” I get tired of electing leaders who I know will not be up to the task. I get tired of exercising my right to vote and then “groaning” for the next several years under the rule of the “wicked.” Please hear my heart. I am not asking for perfect leaders. There is no such thing this side of heaven. I am simply asking for leaders who have a heart for God. Leaders who reflect the character of God. Leaders who listen to God and seek His wisdom in the decisions they make. Sadly, they are few and far between.
Such has always been the case. Even in Israel. Why else do we see the same proverbs repeated over and over again in different forms? “An unjust man is an abomination to the righteous, but one whose way is straight is an abomination to the wicked.” (Proverbs 29:27) “When the righteous increase, the people rejoice, but when the wicked rule, the people groan.” (Proverbs 29:2) “When the righteous triumph, there is great glory, but when the wicked rise, people hide themselves.” (Proverbs 28:12) Solomon understands the impact of righteousness on a nation. He understands Israel’s greatest need is godly leadership. Leaders who go hard after God are a community’s most precious resource. This is true at all levels of society. It starts in the home with godly parents. It extends into the local community with godly business leaders. Churches need godly pastors. All levels of government need godly politicians. (Just the fact that you probably think “godly politician” is an oxymoron is telling.) When our leaders are righteous, we rejoice in triumph and great glory. When our leaders are unrighteous, we groan and hide ourselves. This is simply the natural way of things.
So what do we do? First, we pray. We ask God to raise up godly leaders in the next generation to send to places like the White House, the United States Congress, the governor’s mansion and state courthouse, even our local town council. Second, we get to work. We raise up godly children and grandchildren. We make disciples who make disciples in the church. We get involved in our communities and hold our leaders accountable. We cling to righteousness ourselves even as we demand it from others. Finally, we vote. We get involved. We advocate for righteous public policy. We run for office. We flood the open government positions with godly men and women who will use their influence to chart a more righteous course. In short, we do all we can to make a difference for Jesus in our world.
Readings for tomorrow: Ecclesiastes 1-6