This blog post is something that I have been thinking about for some time… even before the recent election. I have many conversations with myself… go figure. One question I often ask myself is, “How did so and so a person get that job?” or “Why was that person selected for that role?” As Christians, one of our greatest witnessing tools is ourselves; we are on public display 24/7. Regardless of those in authority and leadership positions in general, I am comforted that I serve a God in total control…

In the aftermath of any election or a new leadership change, emotions can run high. We see it on TV, hear it on the radio, podcasts, etc. I’ve been on both sides of this with many elections thus far since my time voting. A winning majority often feels relief, and the other half is disappointed, and vice versa; prayers are answered and unanswered, it seems. However, as a Christian, there’s a theological truth I find confidence in that offers profound peace in times of political change and any change of leadership at any level, for that matter… God is sovereign, controlling the entire universe, and knows what is best. Romans 8:28 states, “And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.” All things are all things and do not adhere to any categories. This concept of sovereignty means that God rules over all creation, history, and human affairs, including elections and those in leadership. Regardless of the outcome, as Christians, we can trust that nothing happens outside His knowledge and purpose.

In Scripture, we see that God’s will unfolds in two ways: His revealed will and His secret will. Deuteronomy 29:29 states, “The secret things belong to the Lord our God, but the things that are revealed belong to us and to our children forever, that we may do all the words of this law.” God’s revealed will consists of the principles and commands He has given us through Scripture… directives for living lives of integrity, justice, and love. His secret will, however, includes those things He has chosen not to disclose fully to us, such as specific plans for nations or why particular leaders rise and fall. Though we may not understand why God allows certain leaders to come into power, we can trust that His secret will is at work for His glory and, ultimately, for the good of those who love Him. What Scripture is silent on, it is silent. This foundational belief reassures us that no leader or election result surprises Him. His purposes are ultimately beyond our understanding, yet they always serve a greater good and work according to His divine plan. This is indeed a mystery.

The Bible teaches us in Daniel 2:21a that “He changes times and seasons; he removes kings and sets up kings.” This verse reminds us that the authority of every leader is granted by God Himself. Whether we support a person in leadership or not, we can trust that God has a purpose for the leadership in place and that His wisdom far exceeds our own. One clear command in God’s revealed will is that we are to pray for our leaders. Paul writes in 1 Timothy 2:1-2, “First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way.” Oh, how hard this often seems and actually is. Whether or not we agree with those in office or even in any leadership position, praying for wisdom, justice, and guidance for our leaders aligns our hearts with God’s purposes and keeps us rooted in humility.

As we move forward and live daily, I find comfort in God’s sovereignty, praying for our leaders in authority and trusting that God’s plans, though sometimes hidden, knowing that they are always good and perfect. At the same time, as leaders, we have a responsibility to foster unity and peace, and lead with wisdom, justice, and compassion.

As you step into your role today, remember that you are not just an educator and leader but a shaper of the future. Your actions and decisions profoundly impact the lives of those you guide. Go, be the great educator and leader that our future needs.

Remember… Think Leadership and Be For Others…

©2024 J Clay Norton

Want more Leadership Thoughts? Follow me on… X @thebookchamber or follow the blog directly.

Want to share this leadership thought with others? Click on one of the social media sharing buttons below and help spread the good…