February 20, 2004
Last Tuesday evening, standing on the county courthouse steps, a remarkable statement was attributed to Robert Gordon. “People should be able to expect more of their elected officials; not less.” Surely, this is a “true” statement if ever there was one. Too often has the bar of leadership been lowered to accommodate humanity’s natural disposition, “give me more and I’ll give you less.” The result, of course, is always distrust, cynicism, and resentment. Too often has that bar been lowered in leaders’ lives, but not just in theirs: too often has it been lowered in each of our lives.
The fruit of the “lowering of the bar” is most obvious if and when it appears in the policies of officials elected to represent the interests of the common people. To these men and women are entrusted the roles of stewards by the people who elected them so that they may guard the people’s welfare and interests.
Even more importantly, God Himself gives to these leaders the roles of stewardship of His creation. Elected officials, therefore, must give account to both their constituencies AND their Creator. Thus, if one has been a poor steward, the thought of the consequences can be nightmarish for him or her.
In Matthew 25:14-30, a rich man goes away on a journey, after entrusting stewards with his estate to manage it in his absence. The stewards are expected to do with the owner’s belongings what the owner himself would do if he were present. Those who have been faithful stewards are rewarded. The one who has not… is judged correspondingly and what he has been given is taken away from him.
Jesus is clearly referring to God when describing the rich man who appoints the stewards. The stewards also are pictures of those to whom God entrusts His creation. Obviously, this applies to officials in our city, county, state, and federal governments. Men and women in such positions should feel highly honored, not just because people have placed their confidence in them, but especially because God has bequeathed to them a part in administrating His justice, grace and godliness in their spheres of influence.
We should indeed expect more of our elected leaders and not less. We should also expect more of those who are not elected, but have been appointed for “such a time as this” in whatever capacity they serve.
In fact, I’ll go so far as to say that we should expect more of ourselves and not less in whatever capacity we serve in whatever occupation we’re working. Let us be careful to not let our elected leaders off the hook. They are accountable to us and to God. Let us also be careful then to not let ourselves off the hook for we, too, are accountable to others and, ultimately, to God.
There is, unfortunately, a “trickle-down” effect when it comes to morals and ethics. If ethics are compromised publicly and there is no justice, ethics will break down in other sectors of the community. “And why not?” we’ll reason. “If it works for them and they aren’t held responsible, than why can’t I do it, too?” Let us not forget that we each must answer to the One Who governs the entire universe. “The eyes of the LORD are everywhere, keeping watch on the wicked and the good” (Proverbs 15:3).
As I continue to reflect on the statement, “People should be able to expect more of their elected officials; not less,” another thought is also brought to mind: “People should be able to expect more of God; not less.” An entirely different subject but an all important one. What do we expect of God? The word “revival” was used last Tuesday night. Someone said that our community desperately needs it. “Revival” means literally “a return to life” and refers to a fresh movement of God’s Spirit in the lives of Christians.
Revival is not a set of church meetings. It is the event of God’s refreshing His people in response to their turning from sin in their own lives and humbly seeking a fresh encounter with Him. A hunger for more? I hope that you truly hunger for more… that you’ll expect more from God than what you’ve always known. I hope that you’ll surrender to Him in areas of your life that you’ve never surrendered before. Our leaders need revival. Our churches need revival. Our community needs revival. I need revival. Will you now turn to Him and say, “Lord, I also need revival?”
Finally, this coming Wednesday, February 25th, (Ash Wednesday to be precise), “The Passion of the Christ” will be premiering at Spring Valley Cinema. If at all possible, take the time to go and see for yourself what all the fuss has been about. While it may not be suitable for young children (it IS rated “R” for its graphic rendering of the suffering and death of Jesus Christ) it will, if reports are even remotely close to the reality, confront you with the story of Jesus more profoundly than you have ever dreamed. Whatever your take on God and religion, go see this film and make up your own mind about this one called the Christ.
(Thom Mollohan has ministered in southern Ohio the past eight years and is currently the pastor of Pathway Community Church. He and his wife are the parents of three children. He may be reached by email at pastorthom@pathwaygallipolis.com).
