UNDERSTANDING THE CHARACTER OF GOD CAN IMPROVE LEADERSHIP AND SOCIETAL DEVELOPMENT

Many believers grow up hearing that God is all-powerful and does whatever He wants, whenever He wants, including causing suffering, oppression, and what would be considered injustice by human standards.

This presentation of God has helped create the perception that kings and rulers, too, have the authority to do whatever they want without being questioned by their subjects. Such a portrayal of God has served the interests of some political and religious leaders by encouraging the masses to believe that leaders, as representatives or appointees of God, know best, act according to His direction, and should not be questioned.

It therefore follows that a better understanding of God's character and nature can improve leadership and development in societies and nations around the world.

ALTERNATIVE PERSPECTIVES: A GOD WHO UPHOLDS JUSTICE

Not all believers or theological traditions agree with the idea of an arbitrary or morally unchecked God. Many theological perspectives challenge the notion that God does whatever He wants, including causing suffering, oppression, and injustice.

Careful theological reflection reveals that God's omnipotence (all-powerfulness) is consistent with His omniscience (all-knowing nature) and omnibenevolence (perfect goodness). From this perspective, God cannot act contrary to His righteous nature, because injustice would contradict His character.

Throughout the Bible, people questioned events and circumstances, including those in which they believed God was involved. Such questioning was not necessarily a lack of faith, but an honest engagement with a God whose character is associated with justice. If people could question God, human institutions and leaders should certainly uphold justice, avoid oppression, and remain open to questioning and scrutiny.

While some believers find comfort in the idea of an unquestionable, all-powerful ruler whose plans transcend human morality, political leaders have sometimes exploited similar thinking to justify doing whatever they consider to be in the public interest. Understanding that God's character is inseparable from justice, mercy, and love can encourage leaders to do what is right and citizens to hold them accountable when they do wrong.

Many contemporary believers increasingly emphasize a God of perfect justice, mercy, and love rather than portraying God as the author of arbitrary suffering. This understanding can inspire people to demand the same values from their social institutions and national leaders.

While God calls us to pray for leaders:

1 Timothy 2:1–2

“I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people— for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.”

He also desires that people be transformed inwardly, willingly choosing truth and righteousness. A society in which people do what is right out of conviction, rather than fear or coercion, is better positioned to achieve lasting peace and development.

1 Timothy 2:3–4

“This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.”

When leaders fail to uphold justice, however, citizens must understand that they have a responsibility to speak for the oppressed and question those in authority.

Proverbs 31:8–9

“Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute. Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy.”

If Abraham had the courage to question God:

Genesis 18:23

“Then Abraham approached him and said: ‘Will you sweep away the righteous with the wicked?’”

Then we, too, should have the courage to question our leaders when justice is at stake, and our leaders should be humble enough to listen, respond, correct their mistakes, and do what is right.

ELIJAH MUTUA KIRIMA
Pastor
THE WORD OF GOD IS THE WILL OF GOD