But Gideon told them, “I will not rule over you, nor will my son rule over you. The LORD will rule over you.” – Judges 8:23

Today’s Scripture Reading (December 28, 2015): Judges 8

Ben Carson insists that the American political system was never intended for “career politicians” but rather for “citizen statesmen.” Many have disagreed with the Republican candidate’s words insisting that historically it is just not true. Of all of the previous Presidents of the United States, all but three were career politicians; and the three that were not career politicians were all military officers who attracted attention through their own military prowess. If the United States elects a President Carson, Trump or Fiorina next November, it will truly be a first – for the first time a citizen statesman without previous political experience will be elected to the highest office in the land.

But the real problem might be the process. While it might be good that someone desires the highest office (and I am not always convinced that that is true), it definitely cannot be the most important factor. Too much desire can easily be a negative element in allowing the politician to do the best job possible. Yet the process seems to honor extreme desire, often placing that desire at the top of the list in deciding who it is that will be the next to lead the nation. What I think that Carson might be getting at is just that. Extreme desire and the need for power can become an end in itself – and when that happens the President fails and the need for power becomes focused in other areas of the President’s life. I sometimes wish that it were possible to find the reluctant Leader of the nation or the organization – the one that takes on the leadership not because he can or he desires the position, but accepts the office because he must, and who all too willingly relinquishes control when that control is no longer a necessity.

That pretty accurately describes Gideon. He takes on the leadership of the nation because it is thrust on to him. He is successful in his campaign against the Midianites, but when the necessity ends, so does his time of leadership. Gideon recognizes that he is a farmer, and desires to be nothing else. He does not wish to be king, that position he will leave in the hands of God. He served because he found himself in a position where that service was required. And now that his service had ended, Gideon humbly gives the reigns back to God who continues to be the King of the land.

There are many ways that I hope my own leadership echoes that of Gideon. That I humbly am able to serve in leadership because I must, not just because I can. And that when the time of my service comes to an end, I am able to humbly and without bitterness hand the reigns back to God – and the next servant who replaces me and leads only because he or she must.

Tomorrow’s Scripture Reading: Ruth 1