(Romans 12:8 KJV) Or he that exhorteth, on exhortation: he that giveth, let him do it with simplicity; he that ruleth, with diligence; he that sheweth mercy, with cheerfulness.
The KJV says that some will “ruleth.” In the NASB it is “leads” (4291b). We Americans are much more comfortable with the concept of leadership than having rulers but keep in mind that the Bible tends to approach things from the point of view of monarchy, not democracy.
Historically the ruling classes have always claimed God’s approval. They believed they were in charge because God said so. The ancient Chinese had the Mandate of Heaven. If there was a revolution, the gods were on the side of the victor. You could tell how the gods voted by who won. In ancient Japan the emperor was divine. You could not depose him. So they locked him up, bowed to him and did things in his name. Europe had what they called the Divine Right of Kings. They were not God, but they were His representative on earth. This lead to some conflict with the Pope in Rome who considered himself to be the Vicar of Christ.
We have a variation of that. We believe that God works His will. God is able to work through believers and unbelievers. He is able to work through the obedient and the disobedient. He is sovereign. At one end you have Him working through Pharaoh. At the other end you have the sick woman who reached out to touch the hem of Jesus garment. One of the ways He works is through gifting leaders.
So Biblically and historically the idea of strong leaders has been taught. Some people are given a spiritual gift to lead, or rule. It is not always the type A personality. It may not always be the pastor of the church or the president of the company. It is the person who is followed.
Don’t be afraid of strong leadership. Look at the heart and the spirit of the leader. Know your Bible so you know if they are within the covenant of God’s methodology. We don’t need to vote on everything.
homo unius libri
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