Who is Your President?

(This article is for my fellow countrymen as the Philippines will hold its first ever automated election on May 10, 2010. Ten candidates are vying for one position - to be the next President.)

Three days before the election... I'm sure many of us have their own candidates for president. And maybe, there are also others who are still undecided.

My bet for president is not a sure winner. In fact, he's almost at the bottom of the survey. He is not perfect - as all the others aren't. But why still vote for him? Well, it's what my heart says - to choose according to the Bible's qualities of a leader.

Excerpt from the "Sermons from the Old Testament - The Leadership Qualities of Joshua"

A strong leader should be:

• a man of humility (willingness to serve) - Exodus 33:11, Joshua 5:13-15
• a man of faith and trust in God - Numbers 14:6-9, Joshua 6:1-5, Hebrews 11:30
• a man of God's Word - Joshua 11:15
• a man of prayer - Joshua 7:6-9
• a man who put God first - Joshua 24:14-15, Joshua 8:30-35

Only a man with a genuine fear of God can have these qualities. They all can claim they fear the Lord, so how can we know? If a person genuinely fears God, it is evident in his life, in the way he lives, in his family. Look at the lives of these men who want to be the next president of our country. Do you see any hint of addiction (smoking, alcohol, drugs)? If he can't discipline himself, how can he discipline others? Is there a hint of adultery? If he can cheat with the very people he loves, can he not cheat on others? Is there a hint of gambling, of corruption, of worshipping idols?

I am in no position to pass judgment to anyone. All I'm saying is, if there is someone who lived his life for the glory of God and is willing to serve his nation, his countrymen, why would I not choose him?

As May 10 is fast approaching, it is my prayer that we choose wisely and with discernment. Lets ask ourselves to whom do these men give glory to: his parents' heritage? his rags-to-riches' story? his intelligence and accomplishments? or his God?

I just have this wishful thinking: what if all believers pray, stand in the gap in behalf of our land and unite?

The Bible says in 2 Chronicles 7:14: "if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land."