Leaders

Tough times call for strong leadership. Many can lead well when things are going well—when business is thriving, everything is good at home, and the church is growing. But when the bottom falls out of the economy, family dynamics are challenging, and the church is filled with worriers instead of worshipers, real leaders step forward to inspire and set the course.

Love demonstrates the passion for getting the right job done. To make sacrifices for others and lay down the natural pride in one’s heart. Perfect love, of course, is only found in the person of Jesus. He demonstrated his unconditional love by dying for us on the cross...

Leaders should inspire and encourage us about a better tomorrow. They must provide vision and hope—confidence in where we are heading. “The future doesn’t belong to the fainthearted. It belongs to the brave,” said Ronald Reagan running for president during a time of national malaise.

Faith is the commitment to be part of a story larger than yourself. A president must demonstrate faith in the ideals of our country and our Constitution. But the virtue of faith on a believer’s voting checklist goes deeper than that.

Too many leaders, or I should say non-leaders in leadership positions, are like the ones Solomon describes in today’s passage. They fall into the very pit they just dug. They know snakes hide in the crevices of a wall, yet they ignore the danger. They are hurt by the very stones they quarry and logs they split. We need prudent leaders.

As you prayerfully determine whom to vote for, here’s a question to consider: Which candidate has demonstrated moral courage? Look for a record of moral conviction even when it may have threatened his or her political career.

Some people do a job. They clock in and clock out. Their work is such that they can leave it all behind when they hop into their car to drive home. Most of these people spend their workdays dreaming of a hobby, an evening with friends, or planning a big tailgate party before the game. There is nothing wrong with doing a job if we do it unto the Lord and work hard to honor him with our work.

Father, I acknowledge your greatness. You are sovereign over all.

What do you have to pass on to those who follow?