Citizens in the United States get to vote for their leaders, from the president of the nation all the way down to city council members. But how should we choose them?
Jesus, of course, is the perfect leader. He “is the exact imprint of [God’s] nature.” (Hebrews 1:3) He’s mighty, exactly like His father, God. But He’s also humble. He set aside His glory, came to Earth, and even died for us.
No human official will ever rule with the perfect wisdom, kindness, and justice of Jesus. But we can look to Jesus as the perfect example as we cast our votes. Can a candidate rule with justice? Is that candidate also merciful, showing compassion for the needy? Who among the choices will lay down his or her pride or personal gain for the good of others?
Voters must do their research to find answers to such questions. Each political candidate has a platform. That’s a set of goals or positions that he or she supports. But that’s not the only place to learn about a candidate. Journalists report on what candidates say or do. They tell about decisions candidates have already made. Does that record of the past match up with what the candidate promises for the future? Is the candidate therefore trustworthy?
We can look for marks of wisdom in a leader. When faced with a hard decision, how does each candidate work with others? How does he or she receive criticism? Is he or she able to set aside his or her opinion?
Good leaders take wise advice into account. Each president has a Cabinet. Cabinet members advise the president. They include the vice president, heads of executive departments (such as the secretaries of Agriculture, Defense, and Commerce), and other high-ranking officials. Who is a candidate likely to choose for these spots? Will those people be good leaders?
Sometimes no candidate looks much like Jesus. The Apostle Peter lived under an evil Roman government. Yet he understood that God uses all rulers for His purposes. (1 Peter 2:13-17)
After the election, check the results. No matter who won, God is sovereign. His purpose will stand. Ask God to give our leaders wisdom as they govern us.
I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. — 1 Timothy 2:1-2
Why? Leaders can help or harm their people. In the United States, citizens get to choose those who govern. Choosing a candidate takes research, thought, and ideally prayer on voters’ part.
