I Timothy 2:1-2 (NIV)
1 I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone
2 for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.
Biblically, there are many types of leaders. In this discussion, we will concern ourselves with three of them: Davids, Solomons, and Nehemiahs. David was a man after God's own heart. Solomon was a man who chose to serve, and was filled with wisdom. Nehemiah was a man who chose service to the King over service to the kings of the Earth. Every nation on Earth needs these men to govern and lead. Were they perfect? Hardly. David conspired to commit adultery and mass murder, as well as hide it. Solomon got lost in wealth, politics and women. But, despite their flaws, all of these godly leaders, men of integrity and honor, turned back to God and sought His desires above their own.
David laid aside his dreams of accomplishment and personal greatness by letting someone else build the Temple. Solomon, after all of his folly, wrote the wisdom of Ecclesiastes to show us those follies and instruct future leaders how to avoid them. Nehemiah laid aside honor and position to restore things that had been destroyed. As we lift up our current leaders, ask God to instill these qualities in those we have now. And, ask Him to raise up men and women with these qualities to take the reigns in the future.
Read more articles by Mark Bell or search for articles on the same topic or others.
