Ecclesiastes 10:16-17: Woe to you, O land, when your king is a child, and your princes feast in the morning! Blessed are you, O land, when your king is the son of nobles, and your princes feast at the proper time— For strength and not for drunkenness!

This was our sermon text this Lord’s Day. And it was an appropriate text with Super Tuesday before us. This Tuesday, Americans from 20 states will be going to the polls to choose candidates for the general election in November.

As we prepare to vote, I would ask you to evaluate your choice based on the criteria in the verse above:

• Do the candidates seem mature? An immature person would be one who changes his mind by the whims of the pollsters (James 1:8), drawing votes by popularity rather than character.
• Do the candidates understand priorities? Are they putting the needs of their constituents above their own agenda?
• Are they filled with worldly wisdom, rather than heavenly wisdom (James 3:13-17).
• Do the candidates support positions that would lead to a blessed and strengthened land?

Also, it is good to focus on this verse as well as you head to the polls.

Exodus 18:21: Moreover you shall select from all the people able men, such as fear God, men of truth, hating covetousness; and place such over them to be rulers of thousands, rulers of hundreds, rulers of fifties, and rulers of tens.

• Are the candidates qualified men who fear God?
• Are they men of truth?
• Do they seem to be greedy for power or gain?

As I look over the pool of presidential contenders, I am deeply troubled. I cannot think of a leading candidate that can make it through this filter.

And the prospect for the future is troubling. We read in verse 16 of Ecclesiastes 10 the phrase, “Woe to you, O land…” We don’t hear folks use the term “woe” much anymore. Woe means great sorrow, anxiety over a great trial or distress. Some feel prematurely woeful as they consider the possible presidency of the senator from New York. I certainly understand the implications!

So, as you go to vote on Tuesday, remember to allow the Word of God to guide you. Pray the Holy Spirit will give you wisdom. And remember that Jesus Christ is King of kings and Lord of lords. He will place in office those who will fulfill His sovereign and eternal plan!

Lastly, as a personal challenge, consider that the Lord has given us leaders in every other sphere of government – in the church and in the home. For those of us in positions of leadership, I encourage you to consider the verses above and ask yourself the same questions. Are you living as a servant leader in your home, your church, your office? If your name was on the ballot this Tuesday for the office of husband and father, would you vote for you?

I believe the biblical answer would be no. That’s right – no. If we are trusting in ourselves and what we see as our own strengths and talents, or if we think ourselves to be a good husband and father because of who we are – we should not vote for ourselves. Consider this verse:

1 Corinthians 10:12: Therefore let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall.

If Super Tuesday included votes for the office of dad and we were on the ballot, let us scratch out our name and write in Jesus. It is only when He lives through us that we can walk successfully in this world and in the offices He has ordained.

May the Lord’s will be done on Tuesday – and everyday in our homes, churches, offices, and government.