The worst thing my father ever said about another man may have been: “He’s nothin’ but a politician.” He only said it twice. These two men got under my father’s skin for three reasons: (1) they took on leadership positions not to serve, but to build their influence and their resume, (2) they cultivated friendships that felt fake because they were not interested in you, but in your loyalty and your vote, and (3) they had few principles they would not compromise for the right price, i.e., everything was negotiable. They lacked character.
Years later, I would come to share my father’s low opinion of politicians (well, some of them).
Politics is an ugly business. Passing legislation involves many compromises. If you are an idealist—on the left or the right—you will find the political process unpleasant. Neither side gets everything it wants. And politicians often disappoint their constituents while making incremental progress. The new law may achieve some goals, but leaves other ideas on the cutting room floor. The most passionate believers often end up feeling the most betrayed.
The Bible contains many examples of politicians who try to please everyone and end up standing for nothing: Aaron the brother of Moses, King Saul, Pontius Pilate, and more.
Esther was made queen by a politician. King Ahasuerus had simple goals: please himself and keep those around him from complaining. When Haman wanted to annihilate the Jews, the king went along with it. But when Queen Esther complained that she was Jewish, the king reversed himself, executing Haman and granting Esther permission to wipe out Haman’s people. “They killed 75,000 of those who hated them, but they did not seize any plunder” Esther 9:16. Why did the king change course? It would be nice to say he realized he was wrong to side with the Jew-hating Haman, but the Bible does not say that. The king did not suddenly gain principles or integrity. He certainly is not uncomfortable with killing. Instead, when he had to choose between his advisor, Haman, and Esther, the most beautiful lady in his harem, he chose Esther. He liked her better than Haman.
And that is why people complain about politicians.
However, God uses politicians in profound ways. King Ahasuerus made Esther’s uncle Mordecai second-in-command and Mordecai “continued to seek good for his people and to speak for the welfare of all his descendants” Esther 10:3. This story is reminiscent of the stories of Joseph, Daniel, Nehemiah, Ezra, and other men of character who were granted great power by a politician and then used that power to serve God and bless His people. It is easy to dismiss politicians as people who lack character or integrity. But God can use them to appoint men and women with godly character to positions of great influence.
God is sovereign over the hearts of kings: “The king’s heart is like channels of water in the hand of the Lord. He turns it wherever He wishes” Proverbs 21:1.
Pray for God to grant us great leaders.
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