In a time such as now, as we look at the results of some of our political races and ponder how we will vote in those to come, it is important to realize as well that the election process started long before there were two major parties. Before T.V. ads, smear campaigns, rock throwing and mud slinging came along, there were those who were already elected. The Bible says that the children of God are the elect of God, meaning among other things chosen, as are those who are now taking and will in the future take their places in the various offices and chambers throughout our county and country.

Those who are elected are to represent those who elected them proudly, with meekness, integrity, honesty and discernment -- along with a humble heart. They are to never forget that they are where they are because of a choice that people made based on the words of their own mouths and the actions that could be seen.

Children of God are to remember and hold to these standards and values in the same way. We were chosen, we were elected and we must as well represent the One whom appointed us to our positions in this life (Colossians 3:12). Our words and actions, as well, are judged. Our motives are carefully investigated and known by God.

Many people can run for an office -- the left side or the right side -- but in the end, the only side that matters is the righteous side. I care not about the side of the aisle the men and women come from, without integrity, the whole house falls. God doesn’t have favorites. His sun rises on the just and the unjust (Matthew 5:45). What He does care about however, is the way with which we live our lives. We all have an office, a calling and a reason we are here. We have that to do which no other on this earth can do, which is why there is only one you.

As we look to these elections, let us not forget that we, too, are elected and held to a higher standard. Let us live with integrity and deal with one another honestly and remember that we are only where we are by the grace of God, by the One who elected us.

The men and women we elect are human and will make mistakes; we all do. Pray for them and for each other. Ask God to protect them and to lead them in the direction that they are to go. The most we can ask out of any man or woman in office is to do the best they can and lead with loyalty and a strong sense of right and wrong and to chose right.

It is my humble opinion that the secret to success in any leadership role is for those leading to have their heart and hands out to the people, their knees on the floor and their eyes and ears open to the One who will lead them. In fact, I think this is the secret to success in life. Everyone runs a race. Finishing it faithfully is the challenge (Hebrews 12:1,2& 2Timothy 4:7).

Matt Hunnicutt

8-9-06

Matt welcomes your comments and is happy to share more of his writings. Please feel free to e-mail him at mattlink007@yahoo.com.

Editor's Note: Matt is a Forsyth County musician who has dazzled crowds at both the Cumming Country Fair and Festival and at the 2006 Ford Tour de Georgia. He recently left Cumming for Nashville upon notification that he is being considered for a recording contract. Stay tuned for more from Matt in weeks to come.