WITH A BIG ELECTION ALREADY UNDERWAY, I thought it might be a good idea to see what the Bible says good leadership looks like.
Nearly half the nation is bashing the other half over how to vote in what may become the most consequential election of our lifetime. Not because the issues are any more important, but because of animosity and chaos stirred up by some politicians running for office.
That alone begs for guidance on what to look for in a leader.
Here’s a snippet of wisdom from writers and sages long ago.
(By the way, this is a sequel tweaked from the post I released on Monday from my StephenMillerBooks.com website.)
Bible on leadership
Moses
Don’t warp justice
“Don’t let your leaders get away with warping justice. They shouldn’t show favoritism, and they certainly shouldn’t take bribes. People who take bribes lose their eyesight and hearing. They can’t see injustice or hear honest people talking” (Deuteronomy 16:19, all quotes from The Casual English Bible®).
Poets of Psalms
God trumps the king
“It’s better to trust the LORD
Than to trust the noblest leaders on earth” (Psalms 118:9).
Jesus
Good leaders are good helpers
“Jesus called the disciples together and told them, ‘You’ve seen how rulers of other nations work. They flaunt their authority and dominate their people. That’s not how it’s going to work for you. If you want to become a great leader, you have to become a great servant. If you want the top position, assume the servant’s position. The Son of Humans didn’t come here so everyone could serve him. He came to serve them'” (Matthew 20:25-28).
“Do you understand what I just did for you? You call me by the respected names of Teacher and Master. You’re right to do that because I am both of those. Your Master and Teacher just stooped to wash your feet, so you shouldn’t be too proud to wash each other’s feet. I just gave you an example to follow. So, follow it. You saw what I did. You need to do it too” (John 13:13-15).
Paul
Vet candidates for honesty
“Carefully vet the candidates. Give them the job only if they meet the highest standards of respectability.”
Those standards: “Live a life that’s squeaky clean and above suspicion….[loyal to partner], good-mannered, even-tempered, respectable, approachable, and a gifted teacher…. We’re looking for leaders who are kind, not violent or always getting into arguments. And we sure don’t want … leaders who have fallen in love with money”(1 Timothy 2:2-3, 10).
Here’s what the leader should be: “hospitable, a huge fan of goodness, even-tempered, fair, devoted to God, and disciplined…. there are plenty of rebels out there—empty-headed yap, yap, yappers and con artists….chronic liars, savage brutes, and lazy bums. They’re good for nothing but feeding themselves” (Titus 1:7-8, 10, 12).
Stephen
Embrace the kind-hearted
Okay, I’m not a Bible sage, but I do have this advice. If you know of any politicians who fit the Bible description of good leaders, vote for them if the Spirit inside you gives the green light. And if you know of any politicians who fit the descriptions of what not to look for in a leader, ghost them if the Holy Ghost seems okay with that.
Choose wisely. The grandkids of our grandkids may feel the effects of this election.
I’d like to tell you how to vote, but I can’t sing as well as my fellow KC Chief’s fan, Taylor Swift. So, I don’t think I’d move many. But I want to be remembered as someone who tried.
Taylor, if you’re reading, when I play my harmonica to music for my granddaughters, it always has to be your songs or those of Bluey. You rule the third grade, Bluey rules kindergarten. God help us choose wisely the one who will rule the strongest nation in the world.
Peace to you.
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