As we chose our next President of the United States, let\u2019s take a quick look at some virtues that constitute\u00a0excellent leadership and pray for a leader who reflects them well.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe Lord and his anointed one are my witnesses today,\u201d Samuel declared, \u201cthat my hands are clean.\u201d 1 Samuel 12:5<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n Integrity.<\/em> <\/span><\/p>\n Samuel was retiring from his leadership position in Israel. A King would now replace him. Before he faded into history, he wanted to take the opportunity to right any wrongs he might have committed. \u201cHave I cheated anyone, oppressed anyone, perverted justice for anyone?\u201d he asks. \u2028\u201cHave I ever placed myself above the law to achieve my place politically?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNo,\u201d his constituency answered in unison.<\/p>\n Imagine a politician that can leave his\/her office fully satisfied that they did their very best to walk in integrity. That\u2019s the kind of leader we can pray for.<\/p>\n \u201cGod is not a human, so he does not lie.\u201d (Numbers 23:19)<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n Honesty<\/em>.<\/span><\/p>\n Politicians have created a reputation for themselves; they often speak in half-truths and outright falsehoods. David prayed in Psalm 119, \u201cKeep me from lying to myself.\u201d Perhaps our leaders would be truthful with the world if they were first honest with themselves.<\/p>\n Imagine a politician whose words are so trustworthy that we can literally bank on what they tell us. That\u2019s the kind of leader we can pray for.<\/p>\n \u201cGod opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.\u201d James 4:6<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n Humility.<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n Saul, the first King of Israel, proved to be a dismal failure. Although he was a brilliant military leader, he was plagued with insecurity as well as pride \u2013 a recipe for domineering leadership. Insecure people often over-compensate with boasting and self-congratulatory speeches. Saul set up a monument to himself and felt at liberty to bend God\u2019s rules when it was convenient for him.<\/p>\n Imagine a President that doesn\u2019t feel the need to toot his\/her own horn but just lets his\/her good judgement speak for themselves.<\/p>\n \u201cThe greatest of these is love.\u201d 1 Corinthians 13:13<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n Love<\/span><\/em>.<\/p>\n One brilliant definition of love is, \u201cTo fight for another\u2019s highest possible good.\u201d Imagine a President that loves our country so much that every decision is based not on political gain, legacy-building, or cover-up.<\/p>\n Imagine our POTUS with love-based impetus. One who asks the question, \u201cWhat would love do?\u201d Love would fight for its constituency. Love would speak the truth to its constituency. Love would set aside personal gain for the sake of its\u00a0constituency.<\/p>\n It may be a lot to ask for a leader with these virtues. Who reading this (or writing this) can possibly live up to these standards? We don\u2019t need a politician with a record of perfection, nor do we need a leader who is an expert in all things Biblical. But it would certainly be a blessing to have a leader whose character is moving in this trajectory \u2013 one who is seeking after\u00a0honesty, integrity, humility, and love.<\/p>\n Father,<\/em><\/p>\n Please give us a President with keen self-awareness, with sincere intentions. Grant us leaders who rule themselves with integrity, honesty, and transparency.<\/em><\/p>\n Give us a leader whose heart is self-aware.<\/em><\/p>\n And Lord, I can\u2019t expect these things from my leaders without taking a good, long look in the mirror. Today I renew my commitment\u00a0to be a godly leader in my sphere of influence (small though it may be). Continually transform me into the likeness of your dear Son, Jesus.<\/em><\/p>\n In His Name I pray, Amen.<\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" As we chose our next President of the United States, let\u2019s take a quick look at some virtues that constitute\u00a0excellent leadership and pray for a leader who reflects them well. \u201cThe Lord and his anointed one are my witnesses today,\u201d Samuel declared, \u201cthat my hands are clean.\u201d 1 Samuel 12:5 Integrity. Samuel was retiring from…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":478,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[14,15,24,7,4,25,3,1],"tags":[1836,1895,1896,135,1894,1512,1897],"class_list":["post-3182","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-bible","category-bible-prayer","category-current-events","category-daily-prayer","category-god","category-jesus","category-prayer","category-uncategorized","tag-2016-presidential-election","tag-electing-godly-politicians","tag-godly-leaders","tag-justice-2","tag-politics","tag-self-awareness","tag-sincere-leaders"],"yoast_head":"\n