Fresh Start September 2016 | Page 6

We cannot choose our candidates for the highest office in the land based, for example, on Luke 4 or Matthew 28 for those are Kingdom of God yardsticks. But the Prophet Micah takes us to the heart of the matter; “He has showed you, O man, what is good and what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.” Micah 6:8. These are the key characteristics in picking a President; Justice, Mercy and Humility. Choose a leader who seeks to provide fairness for all Americans irrespective of race, religion, national origin, ethnicity, economic status, gender, sexual orientation, education et al. Jesus would make no such distinctions and none of these would be a barrier to His healing touch. Choose a leader who has compassion for the disabled, for the immigrant and for the poor. Someone who desires to see all Americans win and be successful not simply a select few. Choose a leader who is wise enough to be humbled by the demands of leadership and not consumed by narcissistic self-adulation but understands that “we are more than me”.We need servant-leaders not leaders who seek to be served. As the descendent of African slaves, I am obligated to pick a President through the prism of our history and honor the sacrifices and deaths of my ancestors who struggled for liberation. I will choose someone one who will not seek to reverse or retard the progress of my people. I must choose a leader who is not dismissive of the issues that affect my life and the lives of my children and grand children. I cannot select a perfect leader but I can choose one who is committed to perfecting our Union. I already have a Perfect King and all other leaders are indisputably flawed. But the standards by which we choose our national leader should be substantial ones..Justice, Mercy and Humility. They are not based on political party or ideology but on the principles of Scripture. If you see a candidate that meets these criteria, then you should support their election. THIS IS HOW YOU PICK A PRESIDENT!! Dr. Michael P. Williams is the Senior Pastor of the Genesis Church in Houston, TX. for thirty years. He holds the Master of Divinity degree from Yale University and the Doctor of Ministry degree from Southern Methodist University. For over a decade in Houston he served as an elected official. He is the author of two books and numerous articles in professional journals and popular periodicals. All Bible quotations are from the New International Version. 6 September Edition