We have a privilege in America to choose those who govern us. As Christians, it is also our duty to do so. Civil government is a Divine institution of God. It exists to protect the life, liberty, & property of citizens, enabling them to more effectively advance the kingdom of God. Civil leaders are servants of the people and of God, and are to govern under His authority (see Rom. 13:1-7; I peter 2:13-14; Luke 22:25-26). When Moses told the Israelites to select from among them those who would govern, he set forth a number of qualifications: You shall select out of all the people, able men who fear God, men of truth, those who hate dishonest gain(Ex. 18:21). FEAR GOD. The fear of God is an essential qualification for a godly official. What are such people like? A man who fears God is not simply someone who professes faith, attends church or culturally embraces Christianity, but someone who has a reverential fear of the Almighty. When the the righteous rule, the people rejoice(Prov. 29:2). The righteous have right standing with God; they fear the true and living God. CHRISTIAN CHARACTER. A second qualification is morality. Corrupt & unprincipled rulers (e.g., Stalin, Hitler, & Mao) have brought great misery to mankind, including loss of liberty and the downfall of nations. A VITAL quality for leaders is honesty. If a ruler pays attention to falsehood, all his ministers become wicked(Prov 29:12). Knowledge or intelligence without honesty is much worse than an ignorant honest man, because an evil genius can find subtle ways to rob the people of their rights. Sound familiar? Humility is also a valued quality in leaders. Jesus taught that leaders are to be servants (Matt. 20:25-28). BIBLICAL WORLDVIEW. Thinking Biblically is of first importance because a leader will act and vote based upon how he thinks or feels. The best leaders will have a Biblical worldview! The election of unprincipled men produces misery & tyranny, but godly rulers bring peace, prosperity, justice, & rejoicing. If we fulfill our duty and place godly men in office, our future will be bright and blessed. VOTE YOUR FAITH! How can anyone do otherwise?
Posted on: Mon, 03 Nov 2014 15:59:42 +0000
Trending Topics
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015