Dave's Diary

Daily Readings: Psalm 56 and Proverbs 20

“Unfailing love and faithfulness protect the king;
    his throne is made secure through love.” (v.28)

Of all the qualities we observe in our contemporary human “kings” – the presidents and prime ministers of our day – unfailing love and faithfulness would not be very prominent. More often, when we observe political leaders closely, we see a selfish hunger for power and a willingness to compromise their own principles in order to remain in power. Many are guided by narrow party-political interests and by the drive to win at all costs. At least, that’s how it appears from afar.

Imagine a national leader who is truly motivated by a deep desire to achieve the greater good and the highest best for every citizen. Imagine a leader willing to make profound self sacrifices to accomplish those goals. Imagine one willing to suffer personally for the sake of the least and lowest citizens; one who simply refuses to compromise on her driving ambition to see the weak protected and strengthened, the poor empowered and equipped to flourish; and every citizen living with dignity, safety, security and peace.

This is the sort of leader hailed by Proverbs 20:28. Surely this is the sort of leader we should aspire to be. Each of us leads in one way or another, influencing others through our relationships with them. In those relationships, the Lord calls us to be people of unfailing love and faithfulness who always pursue the highest best of others.

God of Wisdom, Truth and Grace, empower me today to seek the highest best of others in all I do. Grant me the wisdom to lead others in love, not seeking my own interests first, but prioritising the interests of others at all times. I pray this in the Name of Jesus, the One who did this for me. Amen.