A CLEAN POLITICIAN (NOT AN OXYMORON) -- Devotional for July 25, from "Good Seeds"

Mordecai the Jew was second only to King Ahasuerus and great among the Jews, having gained favor with the multitude of his kinsmen; for he was one who sought the good of his people and spoke for the welfare of his whole nation. Mordecai became great in the king’s house, and his fame spread throughout all the provinces. And he became greater and greater. For his people the Jews there was light and gladness and joy and honor. In each and every province and city there was gladness and joy. And many among the peoples of the land became Jews, for the dread of the Jews had fallen on them. (Esther 10:3; 9:4; 8:16,17)

It is such a temptation for public servants to become self-serving. The favor they receive can so readily turn to favors they give, and graft and corruption soon become the name of the politics game. Some might say it’s no more than just the business of commerce: you receive goods and services for the money you pay. How sad that this sort of thing is said – sadder yet that it is so often true, especially in the light of the fact that a politician is a public servant, and service is the commodity of his trade. Just as the term “honest lawyer” seems to be an oxymoron, so the phrase, “clean politician” likewise seems to be a contradiction in terms. How have lawyers and politicians gotten these bad reputations? It isn’t that there are so many crooks in law and politics, but even among the good ones, it’s still mostly as Jesus described it in Matthew 20:25: “You know the rulers of government exert authority and lord it over you.” But then He went on to describe the way it is supposed to be, and the way a true Christian would act as a lawyer or leader: “Whoever wishes to become great among you shall be your servant.” In the New Testament we find the principles by which we are to live, whereas the Old Testament provides examples and stories that illustrate New Testament truth and bring it to life. The story of Mordecai is one such life illustration. He beautifully fulfilled the job description of the servant/leader laid out by Jesus, both in behavior and character. He never sought personal reward or fame, or even attention. He never wanted to be great or to be praised, but just tirelessly worked for the “good of his people and the welfare of his nation.” This is what our American presidents always say they are doing. Each one, in his administration, proves whether or not this was his actual motive. But there is such a thing as godly politics. Today’s Scripture tells us where they lead: the people are happy and healthy, society is peaceful and prosperous – and other nations want desperately to be like them. This is how it used to be in America. What happened?