Political Character Matters
Often during elections, we hear national leaders claim to have faith in God yet live a life that is in contradiction to the whole council of God’s Word. In His teachings about false prophets, people who teach false doctrines which are contrary to God’s Word He said, “You will know them by their fruit.” (Matthew 7:16,20) These are words of truth that should cause us to examine our lives, the fruit it produces and the very words we speak.
It is amazing, people will allow themselves during the election process to be enamored by leaders who have ability or skills, who are able to communicate and inspire – while purposely ignoring the character of the candidate. In evaluating character you may start from their past to gain a baseline on what to search for today. In elections it seems candidate's employee their critical abilities to analyze other weaknesses, thus, much time and money is spent in tearing others down so as to build themselves up. Politicians who are truly sold out to the Lord are kind and tenderhearted toward each other. (Ephesians 4:32) When Samuel grew old he appointed his sons as Israel’s leaders. The Bible says, “they turned aside after dishonest gain and accepted bribes and perverted justice.” (1 Samuel 8:3) The results of their corrupt leadership moved the people to want a king like all the other nations had. God had Samuel solemnly warn the people – the king who rules over them would not be a blessing to them. And when the people wanted relief from the king they had chosen, they would cry out to God, but He would not answer the people. (1 Samuel 8)
Placing people in governmental leadership who are dishonest, who are controlled by special interest groups and feel that political party rites are more important than the people they serve rites are, the political process become adulterated and corrupt. It is foolish to appoint a fox to watch over the hen house – it equally foolish to appointment a person of low character to watch over the house of governmental rule. To appoint poor character to leadership positions is like having a King Saul, the people’s choice (1 Samuel 8-9) who was always sorry for the circumstances he and the people of God were in, but never produced the fruit of repentance.
Fortunately, character can be strong without being perfect. King David, the man after God’s heart (Acts 13:22) had many faults, yet he was a leader who showed the fruits of repentance when confronted. America needs people in leadership like King Hezekiah, he confessed the sins of the people, he reintroduced worship to God, he did what was right in the eyes of the Lord. (2 Chronicles 29)
Napoleon said, “the most dangerous general was one who fought based in fantasy. So it is with a person trying to lead based on fantasy or ignorance of the character of his or her associates.” To vote for a leader of this country based on how they impress you, while ignoring their character is an unwise thing to do. The heart of a leader that please the Lord is that of Solomon, “Now Lord… Give me wisdom and knowledge, that I may lead this people, for who can govern this great people of yours.” (2 Chronicles 1:10)
Political Character Matters – The character of the person you vote into office, will be a blessing or a curse to the people of the United States of America.
