John 18:33 Then Pilate entered into the judgment hall again, and called Jesus, and said unto him, Art thou the King of the Jews? 36 Jesus answered, My kingdom is not of this world: if my kingdom were of this world, then would my servants fight, that I should not be delivered to the Jews: but now is my kingdom not from hence.
This passage of scripture teaches us that the principles and methods which bear sway in the secular realm of politicians and kings, must never be permitted to govern those Christians who aspire to be political leaders. There is no law or prohibition in the Bible which clearly states that a true Christian cannot fill the offices of king, president, legislator, or senator, because with God the sky is the limit. However, in any effort to attain to these offices, it is very important that the laws and principles of God be made front and center, for there are many pitfalls along the way, in which a Christian can become ensnared if he or she is not very, very careful.
The three Hebrew boys who stood so nobly for the right in the kingdom of Babylon, held political offices, so also did the prophet Daniel who was made the chief president in the kingdom of the Medes and Persians. As a matter of fact the other presidents and princes of the realm had to answer to Daniel, thus giving him tremendous political clout throughout the entire kingdom. But in all of these appointments, none of them ever "Ran" for office, for they were promoted by God using the human agency of the then ruling king. Thus they did not involve themselves in the character- assassination, and evil speaking, and even blood-letting which often characterized a run for these important offices. Let's read:
Daniel 6:1 It pleased Darius to set over the kingdom an hundred and twenty princes, which should be over the whole kingdom; 2 And over these three presidents; of whom Daniel was first: that the princes might give accounts unto them, and the king should have no damage. 3 Then this Daniel was preferred above the presidents and princes, because an excellent spirit was in him; and the king thought to set him over the whole realm.
Daniel 3:28 Then Nebuchadnezzar spake, and said, Blessed be the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, who hath sent his angel, and delivered his servants that trusted in him, and have changed the king's word, and yielded their bodies, that they might not serve nor worship any god, except their own God. 30 Then the king promoted Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, in the province of Babylon.
In the kingdoms of this world, politicians are known to disparage and denigrate each other, magnifying each others' flaws and failings with the sole intent that they themselves may appear to be wiser and more fit for the job in question. Thus the satanic principle of accusation and tale-bearing is seen to be implemented, so that some may use others as stepping stones to climb to the highest rung of the political totem pole. But such principles and methods are indeed foreign to the kingdom of God, and should never be espoused or adopted by any true Christian. This is not merely good advice, it is a positive instruction coming from the King of kings, who always knows best. Let's read:
Matthew20:21 "She saith unto him, Grant that these my two sons may sit, the one on thy right hand, and the other on the left, in thy kingdom. 24 And when the ten heard it, they were moved with indignation against the two brethren. 25 But Jesus called them unto him, and said, Ye know that the princes of the Gentiles exercise dominion over them, and they that are great exercise authority upon them. 26 But it shall not be so among you: but whosoever will be great among you, let him be your minister; 27 And whosoever will be chief among you, let him be your servant: 28 Even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.
It is worthy of note that the primary qualification for greatness, as stipulated by Christ, is not education, wealth, or fame, but humble service, for although the aforementioned qualifications may be important in their legitimate sphere, the disposition to be of service to others should "Trump" all others. And speaking of the word "Trump", (no pun intended), those who aspire to be leaders must avoid the temptation to boast of their achievements, and exalt themselves to the high heavens, for the Bible states that pride goes before a fall, and a haughty spirit before destruction.
Another snare that will inevitably surface in any run for political office is that of keeping the Sabbath holy, especially when political events, fund-raisers and other secular activities collide with the sacred hours. It's at times like these when sterling character should be made manifest, as it was in Daniel and his companions who refused to bow to the graven image, which tells us that they must have kept the Sabbath throughout their tenure as political leaders. It takes great faith, focus, and steadfastness to balance being a politician and a Christian at the same time, but if a person trusts in God, and follows His every word without turning to the right hand or to the left, anything is possible.
We therefore end with a passage of scripture which teaches us the right way to aspire to great leadership positions in the political and secular realms, for with the Christian, Christ is the be all and the end all in whatsoever we endeavor to achieve. Let's read:
Psalm 75:5 Lift not up your horn on high: speak not with a stiff neck. 6 For promotion cometh neither from the east, nor from the west, nor from the south. 7 But God is the judge: he putteth down one, and setteth up another.
May God add His blessing to the study and practice of His word. "Good night" and God bless!