sThe month of July focused on the seventh characteristic mentioned in Philippians 4:8–virtue. This is not meant to be a political blog, but because we have just completed two weeks of Presidential Party Conventions, I wanted to look at this attribute in light of the political scene, as we will be making a very important decision here in about three months time.
“Virtuous” is defined as those things having “moral excellence, goodness, righteousness, and are excellent and praiseworthy.” We know people who demonstrate each of these attributes, and we also recognize virtuous acts. I also know that every one of us falls short of virtuous behavior, and, regardless of one’s political leanings, I think we can agree that the two primary candidates for president have fallen short on virtue as well. So is virtue an important characteristic for a leader?
I recently read the transcripts to John MacArthur’s video “Who is God’s Candidate–Part I and II.” They are fascinating. MacArthur never asserts his personal opinion but takes the listener/reader through a thorough look at what the Bible says about how a country should act and what a leader should be.
Part I discusses what the Bible says will happen when a country rejects God, and MacArthur shows how Israel has always been God’s example to the world as to the blessings a country will reap when it honors God, and the curses and troubles that occur when a country rejects God. It is disturbing to see the destructive parallels with our own country as we work harder and harder to remove God out of all public sectors. Below is the link to Part I. Just copy and paste it into your browser.
https://www.gty.org/resources/sermons/90-489/who-is-gods-candidate-part-1
Part II is what the Bible says about leaders and leadership. MacArthur doesn’t take a stand on any candidate, but outlines what the ten biblical qualifications for a leader are. First, a leader must acknowledge God as ultimate authority (worship). Then leaders must demonstrate righteousness, justice, wisdom, honesty, morality, humility, teachability, and courage. Finally, leaders are responsible for providing security (protection) for the citizens on his or her country. Below is the link to the second part.
https://www.gty.org/resources/sermons/90-490/who-is-gods-candidate-part-2
Yes, as my cousin observed, probably only Jesus himself would hold up to that scrutiny, and yes, we need to evaluate the candidates in light of their international and domestic policies as well as their stance on the issues we care about, but I think we would be remiss if we didn’t also evaluate them in light of God’s standards as well.
You may watch the video or read the transcript, but they are not for the faint of heart, as they are lengthy, which is what we should want if we are asking for a thorough understanding of what the scriptures say.
Psalm 86:6 states that “All nations whom You have made shall come and worship before You, O Lord, and shall glorify Your name,” and Romans 14:11 says, “‘As surely as I live,’ says the Lord, ‘every knee will bow before me; every tongue will acknowledge God.’” So eventually, whether they want to or not, every nation and every person (leaders included) will have to finally acknowledge that God is God. May we pray one of these candidates steps up and lead us in that direction.
“Virtuous” is defined as those things having “moral excellence, goodness, righteousness, and are excellent and praiseworthy.” We know people who demonstrate each of these attributes, and we also recognize virtuous acts. I also know that every one of us falls short of virtuous behavior, and, regardless of one’s political leanings, I think we can agree that the two primary candidates for president have fallen short on virtue as well. So is virtue an important characteristic for a leader?
I recently read the transcripts to John MacArthur’s video “Who is God’s Candidate–Part I and II.” They are fascinating. MacArthur never asserts his personal opinion but takes the listener/reader through a thorough look at what the Bible says about how a country should act and what a leader should be.
Part I discusses what the Bible says will happen when a country rejects God, and MacArthur shows how Israel has always been God’s example to the world as to the blessings a country will reap when it honors God, and the curses and troubles that occur when a country rejects God. It is disturbing to see the destructive parallels with our own country as we work harder and harder to remove God out of all public sectors. Below is the link to Part I. Just copy and paste it into your browser.
https://www.gty.org/resources/sermons/90-489/who-is-gods-candidate-part-1
Part II is what the Bible says about leaders and leadership. MacArthur doesn’t take a stand on any candidate, but outlines what the ten biblical qualifications for a leader are. First, a leader must acknowledge God as ultimate authority (worship). Then leaders must demonstrate righteousness, justice, wisdom, honesty, morality, humility, teachability, and courage. Finally, leaders are responsible for providing security (protection) for the citizens on his or her country. Below is the link to the second part.
https://www.gty.org/resources/sermons/90-490/who-is-gods-candidate-part-2
Yes, as my cousin observed, probably only Jesus himself would hold up to that scrutiny, and yes, we need to evaluate the candidates in light of their international and domestic policies as well as their stance on the issues we care about, but I think we would be remiss if we didn’t also evaluate them in light of God’s standards as well.
You may watch the video or read the transcript, but they are not for the faint of heart, as they are lengthy, which is what we should want if we are asking for a thorough understanding of what the scriptures say.
Psalm 86:6 states that “All nations whom You have made shall come and worship before You, O Lord, and shall glorify Your name,” and Romans 14:11 says, “‘As surely as I live,’ says the Lord, ‘every knee will bow before me; every tongue will acknowledge God.’” So eventually, whether they want to or not, every nation and every person (leaders included) will have to finally acknowledge that God is God. May we pray one of these candidates steps up and lead us in that direction.
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