To be godly is to be good (3)

In the Old Testament, when King Joash repaired the temple, we’re told, “The money brought into the temple…was paid to the workers…They did not require an accounting from those to whom they gave the money to pay the workers, because they acted with complete honesty” (vv. 13-15 NIV). And because integrity was practiced, the nation of Israel prospered. James Madison, one of America’s founding fathers and a signatory to the constitution, wrote, “The aim of every political constitution is, or ought to be, first to obtain for rulers men who possess most wisdom to discern and most virtue to pursue the common good of the society; and in the next place, to take the most effectual precautions for keeping them virtuous whilst they continue to hold their public trust.” Nowadays, most surveys show that trust in our political and business leaders is at the lowest point on record. We believe they have only two things in mind: to get rich and to stay in power. And sadly, good leaders receive the same broad-brush stigma. So what should you do? (1) Pray for those in authority. Prayer is the conduit through which God’s influence is brought to bear in any situation. If you believe that, you will pray. (2) Support godly leadership. The Bible says, “Righteousness exalteth a nation: but sin is a reproach to any people” (Proverbs 14:34). Unless you get involved, you forfeit your right to complain. (3) Get personally involved. Edmund Burke is attributed with saying, “All that is necessary for the triumph of evil is that good men do nothing.” One person, plus God, can change things. So endeavour to be that person!