Proverbs 18:12 Before his downfall a person’s heart is proud, but humility comes before honor.
Numbers 32:23 But if you don’t do this, you will certainly sin against the LORD; be sure your sin will catch up with you.
There have been some nasty fallouts within all political stripes and parties this week in federal and provincial politics. Accusations of past indiscretions, sexual misconduct, and inappropriate behavior has come out of the closet in full force. Our honorable members of parliament have found themselves on display, ‘fessing up to dishonorable life choices they made within their elected positions.’ One of the members who has expressed shame and disappointment said, “No wonder the people hate politicians, because all they see are a bunch of crooks and creeps!”
I do believe there are a lot of members of Parliament who truly try and are doing their best to make things better for the people they represent. God wants good government because He asks us to uphold the law. Rom. 13:1 Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God.
It is hard to be forthright and pure in the eyes of the public when these members live in a fishbowl, so to speak, where everyone on earth has an eye on them and a ready opinion of their lives and character. I know I would not want the job because I am not always so politically correct. So, therefore, I have to take up the call God expects of me and that is to pray for our leaders. 1 Tim. 2:2 Pray this way for kings and all who are in authority so that we can live peaceful and quiet lives marked by godliness and dignity.
We have to stop and think that if we as individuals need prayer on a daily basis to get through our week or even our work day, then how much more do these members need prayer to get through their day? I realize that the integrity bar per se has been set so low these days that people in leadership are stubbing their toe on the bar as they walk over it; therefore, anything seems to be acceptable.
The prayer we are to ask God to accomplish in these parliamentarian’s lives is that the bar of ethics would be raised and followed. This can be done by faith because God can change their hearts and lead them. Prov. 21:1 The king’s heart is a stream of water in the hand of the LORD; he turns it wherever he will. Lord, God, help them raise the bar of ethics and due diligence to a place where they see a need to rise up to greatness and become the leaders they are intended to be.
When we pray for our leaders and God moves on their hearts, there is a fruitful reward. We shall prosper as the land and leaders prosper. Jer. 29:7 Also, seek the peace and prosperity of the city to which I have carried you into exile. Pray to the LORD for it, because if it prospers, you too will prosper.
When we pray for our church or political leaders and ask God to move upon their hearts to help them repent and work accordingly with the wishes of God, our land and nation will be healed. II Chro. 7:14 If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.
It seems to me that praying for our honorable members and leaders of all kinds has nothing but upside because of all the blessings that come to us when they succeed in their calling and work. Perhaps if more of us used our mouths for praying for our leaders rather than slandering them to death, the dishonorable ones would be weeded out by God and the honorable ones would go forth.
Maybe that is what God is showing us these days. It is God who is in charge and we need to pray that the purging going on will keep cleaning house and we can have a blessed nation. Psalm 2:10 Therefore, you kings, be wise; be warned, you rulers of the earth. 11 Serve the LORD with fear and celebrate his rule with trembling. Pray the dishonor out and the honor back in. Blessings.
Amen!
Kathleen
Thanks Norm for reminding us what God calls us to do…. Pray for our leaders and politicians. He knows how they need help!!!