A ministry partner from Mozambique was visiting our community a few months ago for the wedding of a mutual friend of ours. We were having a conversation about leadership and the world stage. He spoke about how there is a worldwide character crisis happening among leadership and politics today. He is seeing repeatedly the election of leaders who have weak character and little integrity.
I've been reflecting on that conversation and asking myself, "Why, when good character is a fundamental for good leadership, are we so easily duped and willing to compromise character? What do we believe we will gain from electing a leader who has poor character?"
What are we seeking that we believe is more important than character?
I believe I will keep following after the Leader whom I desire will teach and shape me...
Colossians 3:12-17New International Version (NIV)
12 Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. 13 Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.14 And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.
15 Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. 16 Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts. 17 And whatever you do,whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.
To your point about elected officials, you're right, character is so important. But people vote based on a person's vision of where we're going more so than the track record of where they've been. Clearest vision typically wins.
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