“Moreover, as for me, far be it from me that I should sin against the Lord in ceasing to pray for you; but I will teach you the good and right way. Only fear the Lord, and serve Him in truth with all your heart; for consider what great things He has done for you.” — 1 Samuel 12; 23, 24

    In our society, we have a tendency to criticize anyone that is in a leadership position. Such was the case in Samuel’s day. He had spent his life serving the Lord, leading the Israelites. However, they became dissatisfied with the arrangements and demanded someone be made King, taking Samuel’s leadership role.

    I question if any public servant can be universally accepted today. It is my opinion that since Richard Nixon and “Watergate,” we have proceeded to criticize and negatively review any person in leadership. While no one is perfect, we should recognize that God has ordained all authority.

    Furthermore, we have been biblically mandated to pray for all in authority. Probably, we would see less wrong with someone if we were busy praying for his or her success.

    In this scripture, Samuel, the rejected leader offers to pray for the people. As a matter of fact, he considers it a sin against God if he stopped praying for them. With great integrity, Samuel shows that his habit of service is not dictated by the approval of man, but God. Even when the people reject him, Samuel remains a servant interceding on their behalf before the throne of God.

    So, let’s suppose I don’t like certain leaders we have. Let’s suppose I don’t like the way things are going. What should be our response?

    First, we should fear the Lord. We can allow problems and issues to raise our ire and cause us to say and think things we know are not really “Christian.” As many change their tune when “the preacher comes in the room,” we should be careful always because the Lord is ever present. Slanderous comments and disdain for those God has placed over us is a slam on God as well.

    Second, we should serve God in truth. A common statement is, “Perception is truth.” In reality, that is not so. Some perceive the temperature as hot while others perceive it too cool. How can two different perceptions both be reality? Truth is anything that is consistent with reality.

    For the Christian who believes in God’s word, reality is consistent with scripture. For example, the Bible repeatedly requires two or more witnesses to establish a fact. Many rumors are spread that have no legitimate basis for what they claim. I have been misquoted enough in the social media to want to verify anything before I believe it. If we serve God, it must be consistent with His words and the facts.

    Third, we should serve God with all our heart. We are not to be part-time believers. All of life should be lived with an awareness and submission to the Lord who is with us wherever we go. Every expression of our heart, even evaluating leaders, should be an expression of faith in which we are serving God, not ourselves.

    Finally, we should consider what great things God has done for us. Spend more time measuring what you have instead of what you lack. God has done much for us. All of us are blessed. Life is good! Of all the people on earth, we should be pleased.

    In college I had a Korean economics professor who said, “You Americans are peculiar. You are always complaining about your government. In my country, our government does nine bad things toward us and only one good. We speak about what good is happening and never mention the bad. In America, your government does nine good things for you and one bad. You speak of the bad and never mention the good.”

    If we are honest, there are many wonderful blessings that are ours in this great land!

    Samuel was praying for others regardless of his approval or opposition to the issues. Maybe it’s time we join Samuel in praying regardless of who leads.