Readings for today: 1 Kings 3-4, 2 Chronicles 1, Psalms 72
“So give your servant a discerning mind so he can make judicial decisions for your people and distinguish right from wrong.” (1 Kings 3:9a NET)
We suffer from a lack of discernment in our world today. We no longer seem able to discern right from wrong, good from evil. The ends almost always justify the means, no matter how corrupt. The influential and powerful can get away with just about anything because we lack a strong moral foundation. We live in a post-truth world. Truth is no longer objective. It gets twisted beyond all recognition. Rather than depend on facts and evidence, we only consider those things that support our pre-determined position. We seem to love half-truths and lies. We no longer seem bothered by all the deceit that runs rampant. Our political leaders are brazen in the way they mislead people. Social media throws gasoline on this fire. We are in real trouble.
One of the things we will see as we read through the Kings is how the character of a leader shapes the nation. The fortunes of Israel rise or fall largely on the godliness of the kings who serve her. When godly kings are in power. Kings who are wise. Discerning. Those who know right from wrong and good from evil. Israel flourishes. When ungodly kings are in power. Kings who are corrupt. Foolish. Narcissistic. Those who could care less about right or wrong as long as they acquire more power. Israel falls. That’s why Solomon’s request of God is so remarkable. Most people who inherit a throne would ask for riches and honor and power and authority. Most people would have asked God for great victories in battle and the expansion of their territory. Most people would have asked God for a long, prosperous, peaceful reign. But Solomon wasn’t focused on himself. He did not see himself as someone to be served but as someone called to serve so he asked for wisdom. Discernment. The ability to determine right from wrong so he could foster justice and righteousness among his people.
Imagine if our leaders believed the same. Imagine if their platitudes about public service were actually statements of faith. Imagine if, instead of using their offices to accumulate more power and enrich themselves, they made sacrifices for one another and for our nation. Imagine if, instead of greed and corruption, our leaders were marked by generosity and righteousness. Imagine if, instead of lies and deceit, our leaders were committed to telling the whole truth and nothing but the truth. In a democracy, you get the government you deserve which means change starts with us. Starts with each person and each vote. It means the electorate must hold our officials accountable and stop settling for the lesser of two evils. It means we must only support those leaders who exhibit the kind of godly character we need. Now, more than ever, we need godly leadership at the helm of our nation. Now, more than ever, the character of our leaders matters. May God raise up for us leaders like Solomon who know good from evil and can lead us with wisdom.
Readings for tomorrow: Psalms 119:89-176