Dear Reader,

As I write this article, we here in the United States are preparing to elect our next president. Many, many people have voiced their feelings and opinions on the subject of our present president, but I invite you to sit with me for a few moments, and consider the question that is the title of this topic.

We understand from God’s Word, the Bible, that persons who are in leadership positions are to be respected because of their position. (See Romans 13) As hard as it may be sometimes, we are also encouraged to love our fellow man, even though we do not like or appreciate what they are doing. When we come to those in positions of leadership over us, I believe we also need to remember that they are human, just as we are, and, as such, are susceptible to faults and failures like everyone else. In case I would be misunderstood, this is not intended as a license for wrong and/or immoral behavior, but I’m just reminding us that all men will be brought to the place where they will give an account for their deeds and ways, and none of us will escape that.

I do want to indicate, though, that those who are in leadership carry more responsibility, and will also be required to answer to that heightened responsibility. It will happen in every level, so the husband and father bears the responsibility ultimately for his family, the pastor for his church, the bishop for his denomination, the CEO for his corporation, and the national leader for his country. This responsibility is a personal one, and the individual holding the office will give answer as to how he/she has handled that position.

From the Old Testament account of the choosing of the first king over the nation of Israel, we note that the king was to study the laws of God as given through the ministry of Moses, and then the king was to lead his people in the proper and correct way of the Lord. I believe that God is still regarding the way our present-day leaders are performing their responsibilities, as to how these leaders follow the precepts, laws, and rules that He established so long ago. I believe, as well, that God would expect us as a people to adhere to those same laws, even if the leaders do not do so, personally, or who may even forbid their followers to do so.

No matter how high or low our leadership position may be, we can know that we have done our best to follow and obey the Supreme Ruler of all the universe, the Lord God Himself. And that goes for presidents!

Thanks for reading,
Pastor Ritchey