The election is coming and I would like to remind everyone to go out and vote. That is part of our Christian duty. The sanctity of the ballot resides in our desire to vote. Further, let us bear in mind that we get who we voted for.

We are familiar with the children’s game, “Follow the leader.” Each person in the group is required to say and do exactly what the leader commands. To deviate is to be excluded from the group. Children’s games have ways of teaching us some very profound lessons. We all know the pain of ostracism that comes when we refuse to conform in order to remain “one of the gang.” Those who refuse must pay the price. Ask any young people how painful the pressure is to be accepted as part of the group. Much drinking, drugs and irresponsible sex results from peer pressure and the need for peer approval. Cooperation with others is important. However, we need to be wise in following self-proclaimed “leaders.” We need to be wise in judging just what they are asking to say and do. Examine them carefully.

The prophet Isaiah is writing during the eight century B.C.E. in Jerusalem. The king at the time is the weak and corrupt Ahaz, a poor leader for his people. Isaiah describes Ahaz reign as a time of failure, fear, and political betrayal (Isaiah 7) and compares it to that of a stump. The people have lost their sense of justice in dealing with one another. Each person is running after his or her own gains and self-interests. The needs of the poor, the widows and the orphans are totally ignored. The judicial system has become perverted. The golden rule becomes: he that has the gold makes the rules. The poor are being maltreated and denied their basic needs. Without proper moral vision by their leader the entire community falls into sin.

In the words of Proverbs: Where there is no prophetic vision the people are discouraged or in some translation, the people perish. Instead of ruling with justice, wisdom, and fear of the LORD, the king abused his power and made decisions on the basis of influence, reputation, and money.

Yet Isaiah’s message is not one of despair but hope. “There shall come forth a shoot from the stump of Jesse, and a branch from his roots shall bear fruit. 2 And the Spirit of the Lord shall rest upon him, the Spirit of wisdom and understanding, the Spirit of counsel and might, the Spirit of knowledge and the fear of the Lord.” (Isaiah 11:1-2. Read Isaiah 11:1-10). God will raise up a true leader who will govern with righteousness. The true leader is one who models himself on Jesus. Biblical leadership is one of service and mercy. Paul writes: “For I tell you that Christ became a servant to the Jews to show God’s truthfulness, in order to confirm the promises given to the patriarchs, 9 and in order that the Gentiles might glorify God for his mercy.” (Romans 15:8-9). Too often we associate love of power with our leaders. Too often this is the example they give. However, the way of Jesus is one in which we see the power of love. Jesus is the one who “teaches with authority” because he always does the will of God. To seek his own glory and honor is to be like the Pharisees and Scribes.

All of us find ourselves in positions of both following and leading. As the election of new leaders is coming, let us examine the ways we follow others and who we follow. Do we give ourselves too easily and at too great a price? Look at every candidate and ask, are they leading by serving? Or are they trying to win us and then later on act as our master, grabbing places of honor and positions of clout?

This is not easy to ask but if you have truly believed in God, you will discern wisely who you will vote for.

Pastor Gideon Gallo is Administrative Pastor at Gladbrook Community Christian Church – a Global Methodist Church – located at 715 Lincoln Street, Gladbrook. He can be reached at 641-473-2025, or gladbrookmethodist@windstream.net.