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Good leaders are harder to find nowadays and truly godly leadership seems even rarer. Nevertheless, the more we familiarize ourselves with the word of God, the more we will recognize good leadership and appreciate godly leaders who can bring blessings - instead of curses - upon the land and its people.
Apostle Peter wrote a letter delineating the characteristics a godly leader should have. Although the guidance in his letter was directed to the early church, it frankly, applies to every other area of life. 1 Peter 5:1-3 - To the elders among you, I appeal as a fellow elder and a witness of Christ’s sufferings who also will share in the glory to be revealed: 2 Be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care, watching over them—not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not pursuing dishonest gain, but eager to serve; 3 not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock.
The characteristics Peter highlighted are things we should look for in our religious and political leaders. Politicians should be shepherds. Imagine the shepherds of Biblical times. David told King Saul that God regularly delivered him from bears and lions (1 Samuel 17:37). This was because he stayed out in the wilderness taking care of his father's flock. As a result, he was exposed to the same environment that the animals under his care experienced. That is what a shepherd does. He or she must know what it is like for those they lead. No wonder many of the servants God chose to lead were shepherds. Abraham, Jacob, Moses, David, and Elisha were successful servants to the Lord and shepherds to His flock.
This letter also encouraged church elders to prioritize caring for others and not their personal gain. When David's family and the families of his men were kidnapped from Ziklag, his army of 600 gave chase (1 Samuel 30). However, 200 were too tired and remained behind to watch the army's supplies. Once the battle was done and the spoils of war had been collected, David insisted on sharing with those who did not fight. He cautioned it would not be good to deprive them given their role in protecting the supplies. David could have agreed that only the fighters should receive from the bounty. He would have received a larger amount for himself. Knowing that would be wrong and thus dishonest, he chose the opposite option.
Peter also cautioned the elders not to lord their position and responsibility over those they lead. By this, he meant they were not to behave as if they were superior. Instead, they were to stand as examples that others could imitate. Jesus did this masterfully. Although He was the Son of God, He had no airs to Him. Anyone could come close, so much so that the woman with the issue of blood could hold onto His garment and pull power from Him for her healing (Luke 8). He even related with those His community despised, such as prostitutes and tax collectors. And though He didn't like the Pharisees and others who acted pious but were not, He still reached out to them, teaching them so they could become more godly.
As the United States goes to the polls to vote, I encourage us all to pray for leaders who display the qualities Peter wrote about. We need more people like this in positions of power at the White House, state capitals, schools, churches, and workplaces. Plus, doing so is better than being anxious about the impending results. And it is not just this nation that needs such leaders. Indeed the entire world would benefit from godly leadership that genuinely puts God's desires first, treating people with dignity and the love of the Lord. Besides, believers were told to pray for kings that would allow them to live peaceful and quiet lives (1 Timothy 2).
It may seem impossible to ever have the sort of leaders Peter wrote about. But we serve a God who has told His people to ask to receive (Matthew 7:7) . The early church in Jerusalem applied this strategy and God sent an angel to miraculously free Peter from prison and certain death (Acts 12). That same God can hear the cry for this nation and the world at large if His people would just pray.
PS: This message is not an endorsement of any candidate or political party. Also, I will not be able to participate as I normally do today but will be checking in during fellowship. God bless you.
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