We’ve seen that a leadership vacuum leads to chaos (Judges), while unaccountable leadership means abuse of authority (Kings). So what is righteous leadership? Would we know good leaders if we found them?
When Solomon died, and his son, Reheboam reigned in his place, he received the answers to these questions in the elders’ advice he ignored. The people approached him with a simple plea (1 Kings 12:4): “Your father put a heavy yoke on us, but now lighten the harsh labor and the heavy yoke he put on us and we will serve you.”
The elders, who had lived through Solomon’s reign and knew well the effects of harsh, insensitive leadership, offered this answer: “If today you will be a servant to these people and serve them and give them a favorable answer, they will always be your servants” (v. 7).
This advice is reasonable, humane, common sense, and godly. It embodies consent of the governed, mutual benefit, sensitivity and above all, humility. In short, it is a description of loving leadership.
Likewise, Jesus corrects the power-hungry apostles. “The kings of the Gentiles lord it over them; and those who exercise authority over them call themselves Benefactors. But you are not to be like that. Instead, the greatest among you should be like the youngest, and the one who rules like the one who serves.” Luke 22:25, 26
Humans want and need leadership, but it works well only when everyone benefits, and people sense they are being served, not abused. We call our government leadership “civil servants,” but who exactly is being served? And when the abuse is so clear and so public, then we should not be surprised at people clamoring for change. But what remains?
Current political unrest, both rational and irrational, indicates that some believe something is desperately wrong with the heart of our nation, while people from all over the world are clamoring to get in, even risking their lives to do so. Why this seeming paradox?
Could the reasons be hidden in plain sight?
“Father, we thank you for government, and we pray for our leaders as you tell us to do, that we may lead quiet lives. And we pray for leaders who are wise enough and righteous enough to make that happen. In the name of Jesus, our Lord. Amen.”