1 Timothy 2:1-2  I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone— ² for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.

Our country is such a marvelous gift from the Lord.  I remember kissing the ground when I returned from my first trip overseas.  In spite of all the rebellion and anti-US stuff of the late 60s and early 70s due to Vietnam, it didn’t take a rocket scientist to recognize the treasure our country was – and is.  I vividly remember looking at my passport on the flight home from Colombia and thinking how it was the undeniable key to entry; they couldn’t keep me out!

As wonderful as our country is, we must recognize that it comes with a serious responsibility—the people select their leaders.  We do not have kings or rulers who rule for life like they did in ancient Israel.  They were either blessed or cursed based on how the king led.  Think of the devastation that can be wrought by an unrighteous leader ruling unrighteously for 30 or 40 or 50 years – and the people were stuck with him.

Fortunately, due to the grace of God, we have a representative form of government that spares us from such a reality.  But it requires us to take an active role in the selection – and also if necessary the removal – of our leaders. This is our responsibility.  When leaders at any level demonstrate  unrighteousness they must be held accountable.  The fruit of God’s Spirit does not consist of lies, deception, arrogance, lawlessness, sowing discord and consistent betrayal of our form of government.

The ends, no matter what they are, don’t justify the means.  Such attributes as honor, truthfulness, integrity, respect and wisdom are necessary from our leaders at every level but most particularly at the highest levels of our government.  While we are required by our faith to pray for our leaders and their salvation, we must also exercise our responsibility and elect competent men and women of Godly character (or those closest to it) who will lead righteously.