One Nation Under God

Then if my people who are called by my name will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sins and restore their land. (2 Chronicles 7:14)

Pope Francis was quoted as saying, "Every man, every woman who has to take up the service of government, must ask themselves two questions: 'Do I love my people in order to serve them better? Am I humble and do I listen to everybody, to diverse opinions in order to choose the best path?' If you don't ask those questions, your governance will not be good." The only thing I would add to this is, "Do I listen to God above all others, seeking his will and not my own?" I believe the hallmarks of a great leader are more than the ability to make money or be famous for this or that action. The hallmarks of a great leader and therefore, a great nation, are humility, a willingness to serve others, intentional time with God, listening to his voice, seeking him with their whole heart, and a willingness to admit one's own failures and seek God's forgiveness.

No one leads well who is unwilling to be brutally honest with themselves about their shortcomings and deep-down need for God's grace. We might think others will not notice those shortcomings, but they will. God isn't impressed with our charisma as much as he is enamored by our honesty and heartfelt desire to be all he desires us to be. Charisma may carry us a little way in world courts or social circles, but it doesn't carry any 'weight' or 'value' in God's court. His desire is for us to hear his voice, respond to it with absolute and immediate obedience, and to lay down one's own life in service to others. If one desires to please God above all else, there will be a 'charisma' that draws others and creates a desire to experience life as they are living it. 

If the leader isn't willing to be humble themselves, then it is time for the people they lead to step up, take the lead, and humble themselves! It is time for the ones who follow to seek God's face with an intensity and an integrity of heart that knocks at God's gates and keeps on knocking until he hears, answers, and brings his deliverance. Just sayin!