In the Old Testament, when King Joash repaired the temple, we’re told: ‘The money brought into the temple was not spent for making silver basins, wick trimmers, sprinkling bowls, trumpets or any other articles of gold or silver for the temple of the LORD; it was paid to the workers, who used it to repair the temple. They did not require an accounting from those to whom they gave the money to pay the workers, because they acted with complete honesty’ (2 Kings 12:13-15 NIV). The nation of Israel prospered because the people in charge acted with integrity and honesty. They were trusted, and didn’t do anything to damage that trust. But sadly, leaders aren’t always trusted. In 2019, a survey showed that trust in the British government has been declining for decades, and had reached its lowest level in more than 40 years. People can often think that those in leadership are only trying to get rich and hold on to their power. The problem with this line of thought is that the good leaders are tarnished along with the bad. We need good leaders in all areas of life, and while we should hold our leaders to account, we shouldn’t forget to also encourage good leadership. So how can we do this? 1) Pray for people in authority. Prayer brings God’s influence into any situation. Whether we’re praying for a tutor, our church leader, a politician, or anyone else in a leadership role, God can step in and bring His wisdom and guidance. 2) Support godly leadership. We should take an interest our leaders’ decisions, and praise those actions which show God’s influence at work. We might think we can’t do much, but when we involve God, change can happen.

What Now?

Pray for leaders. Pray for any you know personally (such as your pastor or team leader), and also for those you may not know personally but who have an effect on your life, such as your local council members or your MP. Ask God to help them place goodness at the heart of every decision they make.