They made kings, but not through me. They set up princes, but I knew it not. With their silver and gold they made idols for their own destruction. (Hosea 8:4 ESV)
Elections and Faith
Citizens of the United States of America take pride in our Republic. Our Constitution outlines a system of government that includes provision for the peaceful transfer of power every two to six years, depending on whether we are examining a Representative, a President, or a Senator. So every few years, we enter the polling place and vote for someone.
It is indisputable that our criteria of leadership no longer puts ‘loyalty to King Jesus’ as the primary job qualification. Perhaps because at first such a qualification was TOO obvious. Perhaps because more recently we have become cynics about such a qualification. Perhaps because such a qualification is easy to state, but more difficult to discern. Perhaps because the few who follow King Jesus do not seem viable as candidates.
Instead we look to such qualifications as loyalty to party, excessive governmental experience, profitable business acumen, electability, and the ability to get things done.
The Biblical exhortations to leaders are myriad. Here are some of them: Exodus 18:21, Matthew 20:26, Hebrews 13:17, Proverbs 11:14, I Peter 5:3, Proverbs 29:2, Deuteronomy 1:13, John 10:11, I Timothy 3:5, Proverbs 29:14, James 1:5-6, Proverbs 29:12, Isaiah 32:1-8, Proverbs 31:8-9, Proverbs 16;7, Proverbs 29:4, I Samuel 16:18. While some of these verses might not be directly aimed at political leaders, all teach guidelines and principles of Godly leadership. And the summary is… a leader puts God first, or that leader is no leader at all, in God’s eyes.
We find examples of what happens to leaders who do not choose to follow God. And it is not pretty. Hosea was a prophet during the disastrous reign of King Jeroboam II of Israel, the Northern Kingdom. Jeroboam II ruled when Israel was defeated in 721 B.C.. In his prophecies, Hosea describes what was behind Israel’s fall.
The nation of Israel had elevated and followed leaders who did not know God. And Israel was destroyed. It is that simple. They made Kings without following God. They chose princes without reference to the Lord. They were filled with political savvy, and earthly wisdom… but chose without focus on the One True God.
It is election time. Who will America choose?
What the past shows us is this: If we choose Godly leaders, our nation will be blessed. If we do not choose Godly leaders, our nation will not be blessed. I expect that many of us will read these words and be glad that OUR choice of leaders is in some way following God. Perhaps they issued a good statement. Perhaps they made a wise practical decision. Perhaps they endorse a good, loving, generous policy.
But Hosea tells us that is not enough.
I believe, and it terrifies me, that God will give us the leaders that we deserve. This is what He has tended to do in the past. We have one option to avoid tragedy for our nation, and the church. Choose leaders who adhere to Christ. Faith here, might just be faith that God is sincere in His warnings.
Take the Faith God grants us.