This is How You Change the World

Older men are to be sober-minded, dignified, self-controlled, sound in faith, in love, and in steadfastness. ~ Titus 2:2 ESV
 
            A friend posted this passage on Facebook last night and I assume it was during the presidential election debate between President Trump and former Vice-president, Joe Biden. I intentionally opted for watching something else. It’s not that I don’t care about the election and the future of our country, it’s just that I expected it to go about as it did – no great wisdom needed to anticipate that!
 
            The Apostle Paul’s timeless advice to Titus and his congregation is aptly applied to all leaders. One can find himself in a position of leadership at any age, but common sense informs us that the number of years one spends on this terrestrial ball should correlate with knowledge and wisdom. With more time to move through life’s countless learning opportunities and the gradual sobering effect of aging, there should be shaping of some men’s (and women’s) character that makes them ideal for leadership roles.
 
            What do we do when we are asked to choose between two candidates who do not demonstrate the kind of elder wisdom described to Titus? For a long time now, I’ve held the opinion that anyone who desperately desires to hold the highest offices in our land is likely unsuitable for the job. Few persons of excellent character feel compelled to obtain status and power. In an ideal setting rank and authority are awarded by persons of excellent character to other persons who exhibit qualities like being “sober-minded, dignified, self-controlled, sound in faith, in love, and in steadfastness.”
 
            Perhaps this is the answer. When you encounter a woman or man whose elder wisdom and good character are exemplary, spend time with them. Sit under their teaching and observe their relationships and lifestyle. Of course, you will see human frailty and occasional flaws, but you will also observe self-awareness and determination to overcome weaknesses for a greater good, even for the glory of Christ. After observing such persons and benefiting from their grace and wisdom, teach your children and grandchildren about what you’ve witnessed and learned. This is the only way I can imagine we will eventually produce the kind of leaders we need.
 
            Exemplary discipleship must start in the home. The LORD says, “Train up a child in the way he should go and when he is old, he will not depart from it.” (Proverbs 22:6) “You shall therefore lay up these words of mine in your heart and in your soul, and you shall bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes. You shall teach them to your children, talking of them when you are sitting in your house, and when you are walking by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise.” (Deuteronomy 11:18-19) The sad fact is that we are witnessing the leadership aspirations of men and women who don’t know the LORD and who are gods to themselves and those who would worship them.
 
          Therefore, pray earnestly every day for our leaders and our children. The LORD says, “First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way.” (1 Timothy 2:1-2) Don’t stand in the way of your children’s relationship with Christ. Don’t let them or yourselves set priorities that hinder their knowledge of Him and relationship with Him - “Let the little children come to me and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of heaven.” Teach them to hunger for God and the things of the Kingdom. Abolish the idols and false gods in your home. Use the election and other demonstrations of foolish, worldly behavior as opportunities for instruction in the ways of Christ.
 
This is how you change the world: start with yourself and then move on to those who look up to you.