Editorial

Qualified to Rule?

Next Tuesday the world will watch on as the United States holds its 60th presidential election. Major elections in countries like Australia, the UK or the US are the result of the evolution of democratic systems in western nations over many centuries.  The writing of the Magna Carta and key constitutional documents in the UK and the US are examples of key events that have shaped the modern political framework across the developed world.  

Compared with ancient societies where the chosen few ruled according to birthright or following conquest, democratic systems make election to leadership open to most members of the population.  Qualifying criteria for those who can run for elected office are generally broad and are normally embedded in national constitutions.  Sadly, while democracy is likely the best system we have come up with, history demonstrates that very flawed candidates are occasionally successful in running for high office.  The damage they can reap because of their immense power is significant, despite the checks and balances our systems have developed over time.    For me, Shakespeare poetically described best the reality of bad secular leadership.

“But man, proud man,

Drest in a little brief authority,

Most ignorant of what he’s most assur’d;

His glassy essence, like an angry ape,

Plays such fantastic tricks before high heaven,

As make the angels weep”

Unsurprisingly, the eligibility criteria for those who will rule and reign with Christ in eternity are much narrower (Matt 7:13,14) and somewhat different.  Qualities like perseverance (Rev 2:26, Heb 10:36), meekness (Matt 5:3,5, 1 Sam 2:8), self-discipline (1 Cor 9:24-27) and a love for the truth (Prov 23:23) are the prerequisites of those who will wear crowns in heaven (1 Peter 5:4).

For Christians, the scripture repeatedly calls us to have a long-term perspective.  Rather than focussing on short-term secular material goals, we are implored to think with eternity in mind and invest in those parts of us that survive the current age (our deeds, mind, spirit and soul). 

“So we do not focus on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary but what is unseen is eternal.” (2 Corinthians 4:18).

Peter Bain

Business Manager