National Leadership

I've been thinking about this for a while now. I am considering a potential run for President of the United States. You see, I am beginning to think that perhaps God has given me more insight into effective leadership than has apparently been bestowed on the rest of our nation's leaders in my entire lifetime. (Seriously!)

Consider the story of King Solomon in the Bible. He was the son of King David, whom God had called "a man after my own heart." Solomon was one whom God told he could ask for anything he wanted - and God would grant his wish. Being clever young man, Solomon asked God for wisdom. So God made him "the wisest man who ever lived." (That would include now, by the way.)

The Old Testament book of 1 Kings chronicles the story of Solomon rebuilding the temple in Jerusalem. When it was finished, he held a dedication ceremony. In that ceremony, he prayed a very public prayer in front of the entire nation. Look at what Solomon asked God for on behalf of his nation:

1. God's presence (1 Kings 8:57)
2. Desire in the people's hearts to do God's will (1 Kings 8:58)
3. Help with the daily needs of the people (1 Kings 8:59)
4. Desire and ability of the people to obey God (1 Kings 8:58)
5. Victory in the causes (including wars) that God might call the nation to (1 Kings 8:44-45).

At this national assembly, Solomon finished praying aloud before his constituents. Then he turned to his people and said to them, "But your hearts must be fully committed to the Lord, to live His ways and obey Him." (1 Kings 8:61)

What do you suppose it would be like if the U.S. President held a national assembly - a televised press conference - and prayed such a prayer? How would we react? More importantly, how might God react?

And how would the media respond if that President finished the prayer, and then turned to the people of the United States, saying something like, "Now, all of our hearts - including my own - must be fully committed to the Lord, to live life His way and to fully submit ourselves to and obey him!"

I suspect this kind of national leader could actually change America. How would he (or she) do so? By focusing themselves and the people of this great country on the solution ... instead of the problems.

Now I've been seeing these examples of national leadership in my Bible. I've been looking for them in American politics. They are not to be found. If they're out there, they are very good at remaining anonymous and obscure (which really means ineffective). So I wonder if God gives me this vision and this understanding for another reason. Maybe I'm not supposed to vote for this person. Maybe I'm supposed to be this person!

So I am beginning to imagine my inauguration. I would pray such a prayer. I would call the national to public and corporate repentance for the sins of our nation. I would ask everyone to find a good church and get committed to it with regular attendance, financial support, service, etc. I would set up a national web site for everyone to voluntarily register their agreement with me to go this direction. I would ask them to pray for Congress to repent and reform - changing their evil and foolish ways.

How about it? Do you think I have a chance to win the U.S. Presidency?