Pray for our leaders

The past few weeks has seen him exit Sunday service with his wife on his right arm and the Bible in his left hand, waving it (his left hand) high to the crowd. The media have camped outside the church with the well wishers hoping to glimpse the Baptist from Little Rock. The President's men and women have crafted these perfect photo opportunities, knowing that past sins are all forgiven a man with a good heart.

William Jefferson Clinton faces the greatest crisis of his presidency, and his life. It is not a challenge of his will to face down would-be foreign oppressors, bolster the national economy, or even rescue the world economy; it is not a crisis of advancing technology. President Clinton faces the foe that has defeated every great civilization since the beginning of time---self-indulgence. This is not unfamiliar territory for President Clinton. His former and continuing battles with self-indulgence are before us daily. Yet, in all the commotion over his perceived lack of character, he maintains his popularity and even increases his approval ratings. Commentators have hinted that his continued popularity during such crises is indication that we, the American people, face a greater moral crisis. While the moral fiber of the ruler is not the measure of the people anymore now than it was when Herod or Saul ruled, the argument may be meritorious:

Regardless of the political situation of the country, God has called us to pray for those in authority {1 Timothy 2:2 KJV} " . . . that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty." While some call for impeachment and others seem to benefit by decrying President Clinton's every action, the question we must ask is whether we have done our part. It is well known that great civilizations always fall from within. Babylon, Egypt, Greece, and Rome are the best known examples. America might well be added to the list if we fail at our task. President Clinton's present crisis shall pass, and there may be more crises to come. But long after he is gone our charge will be the same; and we will still desire to "lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty." If we fail now, we will have proved useless the only weapon God has given us for war--prayer. We are not required to pray for President Clinton because he was our candidate or is the leader of our party. We are to pray for him because it is a charge given to us by God. It is a charge that is beneficial to us, "that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty."

Some will argue that there is a need for truth, public confession. Certainly any lies should cease, public or private. But there is no need to further publish things done in secret. God Himself will reveal what He determines we need to know: Ephesians 5:12-13 (KJV) "For it is a shame even to speak of those things which are done of them in secret. But all things that are reproved are made manifest by the light: for whatsoever doth make manifest is light." It merely remains our task to pray. God's message to us is still the same: 2 Chronicles 7:14 (KJV) "If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land".

/ ScriptureStuff