A Statesman or a Politician?

Many of you already know that Barack Obama sured up the nomination for the Democrat Party yesterday (not democratic - both are democratic). So - this November we will have a choice between John McCain - R and Barack Obama - D. I'm not going to figure in Nader or the Libertarian candidate because all they will accomplish is to take votes from one or the other. Needless to say, this is going to be an interesting election year.

I don't think it strange that in the midst of these events I'm reading a book on Spiritual Leadership by Henry & Richard Blackaby. Let me encourage anyone who is a leader reading this blog - buy the book! Chapter 1 of "Spiritual Leadership" deals with the challenge of leadership in politics, the business world, and the church. Since I started the blog this morning dealing with our current political system allow me to share with you the Blackaby's thoughts.

"In the face of such daunting political and social realities, people search frantically for leaders they can trust. Society seeks men and women who will effectively address a multitude of societal and political ills. People are weary of politicians who make promises they are either unwilling or unable to keep. Society longs for statesmen but it gets politicians." What a statement! Blackaby goes on to say that, "Statesmen are leaders who uphold what is right regardless of the popularity of the position. Statesmen speak out to achieve good for their people, not to win votes. Statesmen promote the general good rather than regional or personal self-interest. Harry Truman was a statesman. He left the presidency with a low rating in the public opinion polls, yet history evaluates him as an effective leader during a dangerous and turbulent time. Politicians may win elections; nevertheless, future generation could deride them for their lack of character and their ineffective leadership."

When I read those words I could not help but be drawn in to what Blackaby was saying. He's right! That's exactly what we are looking for in this country. People who will serve the public with honesty, integrity, and honor. Men and women who will do what is right even if it means they don't get re-elected.

"Warren Bennis suggests that the American Revolutionary era produced at least six world-class leaders - Franklin, Jefferson, Washington, Hamilton, Adams and Madison (Why Leader's Can't Lead). For a national population of only 3 million, that was a impressive feat. If the United States enjoyed the same ration to it's current population, it would boast over 500 such leaders today. In recent years the term great has not been the adjective of choice in describing political leaders. If there was ever a time that called for statesmen rather than the politicians, this is it."

Proverbs 8:15, "By Me kings reign, and rulers decree what is right." and in Proverbs 16:12, "It is an abomination to kings to do evil, for the throne is established by righteousness." What we need to understand from these verses is that for leaders to be effective (not popular) they must do what is right and in accordance to His word. What I like about the verse from chapter 16 is that for a throne to be "established" it can only happen through righteousness. You can be a ruler without ever having your throne established.

With all that being said, my question for you is: Do you want a statesman or a politician to lead this country? As for me I want a leader who will honor God and live a life of integrity. I want a leader who will do what is right before doing that which is popular. I know that may seem unreasonable in this day and time but I still pray for godly leaders. Not only is the throne established by righteousness but so is a nation.

In this election year we must pray for God to establish the leaders this country needs. And in the end, regardless of who wins this race, we must pray for the new President of the United States to serve this country with honor, dignity, and the fear of the Lord.