The Bible is replete with examples of godly character. I’m particularly drawn to those examples that show a person maintaining godly character while serving in public office. For instance, when the prophet Samuel steps down as judge over Israel, he challenges the people by stating,
“Here I stand. Testify against me in the presence of the Lord and His anointed. Whose ox have I taken? Whose donkey have I taken? Whom have I cheated? Whom have I oppressed? From whose hand have I accepted a bribe to make me shut my eyes. If I have done any of these, I will make it right.”
How many politicians today would dare raise such issues? How many would have clean consciences? In Samuel’s case, the people responded,
“You have not cheated or oppressed us,” they replied. “You have not taken anything from anyone’s hand.” Samuel said to them, “The Lord is witness against you, and also His anointed is witness this day, that you have not found anything in my hand.” “He is witness,” they said. (I Sam. 12:3-5)
What a testimony!
The prophet Daniel, serving in the godless kingdom of Babylon, continued to be faithful to God and to carry out his governmental duties honestly. His promotion led to jealousy on the part of other government officials.
At this, the administrators and the satraps tried to find grounds for charges against Daniel in his conduct of government affairs, but they were unable to do so. They could find no corruption in him, because he was trustworthy and neither corrupt nor negligent. (Dan. 6:3-4)
The misdeeds of our elected officials sometimes cause us to become cynical about government. But there are those who carry out their responsibilities with the kind of character that reflects Christ. We need to support such people. Pray for them. Vote for them. Our government is only a reflection of who we are.