A Different Kind of Leader

Consider this oath of fidelity to one’s office and responsibilities as penned by a long-ago monarch.  Would that today’s directors, CEOs, government leaders or heads of state might pledge themselves similarly!  Our world would be a better place!

I will sing about your love and fairness.
    Lord, I will sing praise to you.

(At the outset this is a clear reference of respect for the One whom the monarch recognizes to be greater than himself and to whom he owes reverence.)

I will be careful to lead a life that is without blame.
    When will you come and help me?

(What quagmire of politics or social unrest may have prompted this spontaneous plea for the assistance of the One who is greater than he?)

In my own home I will lead a life that is without blame.
    I won’t look at anything that is evil and call it good.

I hate the acts of people who aren’t faithful to you.
    I won’t have anything to do with those things.
 

I will stay away from those whose hearts are twisted.
    I won’t have anything to do with what is evil.

I will get rid of anyone who tells lies about their neighbor in secret.
I won’t put up with anyone whose eyes and heart are proud.

I will look with favor on the faithful people in the land.
    They will live with me.
    Those whose lives are without blame will serve me.

No one who lies and cheats will live in my house.
No one who tells lies will serve me.

Every morning I will get rid of all the sinful people in the land.
I will remove from the city of the Lord everyone who does what is evil.

-          Quoted from Psalm 101, the Hebrew Bible, a.k.a. Old Testament