Exodus 18:17 And Moses' father in law said unto him" .... 19 Hearken now unto my voice, I will give thee counsel, and God shall be with thee: Be thou for the people to God-ward, that thou mayest bring the causes unto God: 20 And thou shalt teach them ordinances and laws, and shalt shew them the way wherein they must walk, and the work that they must do.
This passage of scripture outlines some of the fundamental duties and responsibilities of those who have come into elected office through the providence of God. The guidance here given begins with the leaders bringing the causes or concerns of the people to God for redress, because The Lord does not expect any ruler or duly elected leader to resolve the problems that occur within the populace, in any arbitrary manner without seeking counsel from God. But the stipulations do not stop there, because the passage goes on to state that the elected leaders are to teach the citizenry ordinances and laws that are in harmony with the principles of righteousness, and also to lead by precept and example, the way in which the nation ought to walk.
These solemn duties are required by all leaders whom God has caused to come into office, whether it be a democracy or a theocracy, for the responsibilities do not change from nation to nation. One of the great misconceptions about the office of elected leaders is that because a nation might not be Christian, or god-fearing, then they are absolved from the above stated responsibilities, but nothing can be further from the truth, for anyone in a leadership role incurs responsibilities and duties that are commensurate with the office or position they hold. Ancient Babylon was a pagan nation at its core, yet God held both Nebuchadnezzar and his son Belshazzar accountable for the actions of their government. Let's read:
Daniel 4:4 I Nebuchadnezzar was at rest in mine house, and flourishing in my palace: 5 I saw a dream which made me afraid, and the thoughts upon my bed and the visions of my head troubled me. 19 Then Daniel, whose name was Belteshazzar" .... "answered and said" ... 24 This is the interpretation, O king, and this is the decree of the most High" ..... 25 That they shall drive thee from men, and thy dwelling shall be with the beasts of the field, and they shall make thee to eat grass as oxen" ..... "till thou know that the most High ruleth in the kingdom of men, and giveth it to whomsoever he will. 27 Wherefore, O king, let my counsel be acceptable unto thee, and break off thy sins by righteousness, and thine iniquities by shewing mercy to the poor; if it may be a lengthening of thy tranquillity.
In our day it is no different, for the duties of elected leaders remain the same, in that the upward trajectory of our nation, both in prosperity and in morality, depends to a large extent on the righteous principles espoused by our government, and according to the scriptures, duly elected leaders are required to teach the people the good and right way, as best they know how, and should never be found leading the masses into forbidden paths of sin for any reason. It is true that in many cases, politicians vouch for what they really do not believe in, merely for the sake of popularity, financial support, or votes; however we should never be swayed from upright principles just to please the masses, or for pecuniary or political gain.
Legislation that undermines and distorts the sacred institution of marriage, does permanent damage to society as a whole, and causes the minds of the fickle or inexperienced to become confused as to what is right and what is wrong. Therefore it is the will of God that the newly elected leaders learn from experience and do not repeat the same mistake of flying in the face of God. We therefore end with a passage of scripture which teaches us the sacred truth that we will be held accountable for our actions, whether we be Christian or secular minded, for there is absolutely no difference between the two as it pertains to the day of final accounts. Let's read:
Ecclesiastes 12:13 Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man. 14 For God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil.
May God add His blessing to the study and practice of His word and we wish our duly elected the very best of God's blessings and guidance. "Good night" and God bless!