A LEADER’S CHARACTER

Getting ready for another presidential election has never been an easy task for me, especially trying to make a decision on the right candidate to hold the most important office in the land. But I’m thankful for the guidance the Bible gives us when it comes to examining the character of leaders running a nation. The Holy Scriptures is a great source of guide. If we look close, we see the victory of those servants who put God first and the people’s needs. I would like to use as an example to this theme King David.

Courage: David known as a warrior. He displays courage in the Valley of Elah while the other Israelites ran with great fear (1Samuel 16: 24) David is a man of action that while others ran from their enemies he did not, he confronted his enemy. (1 Samuel 17:35; 36; 17: 45, 48) He defended God’s name. (1 Samuel 17: 26)

Integrity: David led the troops in their campaigns (1 Samuel 18: 13, 14) He showed loyalty to those he serves and those who lay down their life (1 Samuel 22:14; 23; 23:5)

Kindness: David showed kindness towards his friends, enemies and those less fortunate. (1 Sam.20: 14, 15; 23; 20; 23; 24:6-7; 25:32-35; 30:11-12))

Humility: David did not make exception of persons. He shared with his friends and neighbors the plunder of his successes. (1 Sam.30: 23-31)

Faithful: David showed faithfulness to God before and after being named king of Israel and to the people. (1 Samuel 17:45-47; 18:16; 22:22, 23; 24:6, 7; 26:9, 11, 22; 30:17-20; 2 Samuel. 2: 5, 6; 5:10, 12, 17)

These qualities of courage, integrity, kindness, humility and faithfulness made King David a successful and loyal king to God and his nation of Israel. May we look to see these same qualities in those running for the presidential office this fall and may these men place God first in their lives and make decisions that are for the betterment of the people of our nation. Let us keep our leaders in prayer.