The
idea of being president of this (or any) country never entered my head. It has always seemed a totally scary
proposition.
And I’m
right!
Yesterday
the New York Times reported[1] that Guatemala’s
ex-president, Efrain Rios Montt is again standing trial on charges of genocide
in the 1980’s. The man is over 80 years
old; just about any sentence on a conviction is a life-sentence.
On
Election Days there are smiles and accolades and great hopes – a sense that the
elected leader is now “in charge”. But
that fades. After his celebratory walk
down Pennsylvania Avenue in 1993 newly-elected President Bill Clinton’s anecdotal
remark upon entering the oval office, was something like, I’m the president; what do I do
now?
Governing and
being elected are vastly different undertakings. King David had wise advice which is
sufficient and timely for any leader: keep
humble and remember you’re not at the top of the food chain.
Presidents or
kings serve at the pleasure of more than the people, or an electorate; they
serve under the watchful eye of God. Those
rulers who submit to God are promised great joy, and the hand of
Providence for protection; they store up personal blessing! Those who kick
against this advice are brought down like a house of cards in a hurricane.
(Whether Clinton, or the embattled Guatemalan
leader, or Sadaam Hussein, or assorted Bushes, Lincolns, Washingtons or Caesars
ever followed the advice is for another day).
In recent
years we have seen long-standing governments topple like punctured
balloons. We have seen leadership influence
destroyed by silly Facebook posts and emails.
We have seen the self-aggrandizing “mighty” brought low.
Rather
than gloat, or wail (depending on whether or not you voted for those who fail),
it is always a good practice to reflect on our part in this process. We are tempted to opt-out of responsibility
quickly in one of many ways:
·
I’m just one person; what could I
have done
·
I voted for the other guy
·
His problem – I’ve got enough to
worry about
Now, those
may all be true, but one thing remains for the Christian believer: did I pray?
Did I honestly, fervently, consistently lift up the leaders who make
governing choices in my name?
I may not be
an elected official, but I have a part in the work of rulers with my vote, and
my prayers. If I want strong, effective
(Godly) leaders, it is my responsibility to pray that way.
For You Today:
What is your part in helping the
rulers who serve?
Are you leader, follower?
Could your prayer be the difference between failure
and Godly success?
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