Leadership Rooted in Stewardship

Years ago, the mayor of my city appointed me as a government official. The weight and the joy of serving at this level were astonishing. It was weighty because my input could affect many lives. I found joy in this role because of my passion, ability to lead, personal experiences, academic training, love for people, and desire to honor God through my service.

As a government-appointed official, my responsibility was to steward my role and the people I represented well. I often prayed for wisdom to make the right decisions, especially about voting on issues, budgets, and committees that had long-lasting effects. I knew it was impossible to govern properly if I leaned on my understanding, especially at such a young age, so I sought the Lord for guidance. 

I could relate to Solomon when he asked God for wisdom in 1 Kings 3:9-10 (NLT), “Give me an understanding heart so that I can govern your people well and know the difference between right and wrong. For who by himself is able to govern this great people of yours?” The Lord was pleased that Solomon had asked for wisdom.

Solomon realized his human limitations in governing, so he turned to God for direction to steward that responsibility well. Like Solomon, all government leaders are trusted by citizens to lead with wisdom, integrity, and honor. 

As a citizen, I also realize I have a responsibility to vote and to pray for the governing officials, regardless of whether their policies align with my values. I can disagree with the official’s approach, yet I am still mandated by God’s Word to pray for them. First Timothy 2:1-2 says, I urge you, first of all, to pray for all people. Ask God to help them; intercede on their behalf, and give thanks for them. Pray this way for kings and all who are in authority so that we can live peaceful and quiet lives marked by godliness and dignity.

We each have a role in our society. God calls us all to be responsible and steward well, whether we serve as an elected official, an appointed official, or a citizen without an official government duty. May we, as Christians, fulfill our role to pray for our government leaders, even after elections conclude—whether or not our preferred candidate won. 

Let us pray for our government leaders now. 

Prayer: Lord, we ask for Your wisdom and guidance for our government officials. Although we may not agree on everything that is happening within our government, we ask You to help them with this great responsibility they have. Help us continue praying for them, even when we disagree. As we arise to pray, help us have love in our hearts and not hate. In Jesus’ name, amen.

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Scripture is quoted from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.