All of God’s institutions have shepherds — families have parents, churches have pastors, and, to use biblical language, the "kings" are shepherds of government. In the U.S., the "king" is no longer just one person, but his role is fulfilled at the federal level through members of Congress, Supreme Court justices, and the president.

In John 10:7-18, Jesus describes three kinds of leaders; the hireling, the thief, and the good shepherd. Leaders tend to fall into one of these categories. In the realm of government, the hireling is a politician looking to be liked. The thief is a tyrant whose aim is power and personal gain. The good shepherds, however, are statesman who lay down their lives — even and including their careers— for the people they serve, just as Christ did for the world. 

Jesus is not only the Head of the Church (Col. 1:8); He is also the head of government, for throughout the Scriptures, Jesus is referred to as the "King of kings" (1 Tim. 6:15). In 1 Peter 5, Peter calls the elders of the Church to look to Christ as their example, as a sacrificial shepherd, who lays down His life for the shepep. Today's governing shepherds have the same calling — to look to the "King of kings," who turned the world's ideas of power upside down and emptied it all at the Cross for the sake of the people. 

Our communitues today deeply need a shepherd's heart. They need the guardianship, the protection, and the selfless example worthy of being followed that shepherds provide. And when shepherds look to Christ and His word to govern, their leadership is marked with character, justice, and love. They pass righteous laws, judge with truth and mercy, stand against corruption, and put the needs of people before their own. When government authorities lead as shepherds, entire nations are blessed. 

In America, we choose who holds these positions of authority. And as the Church — perhaps better than anyone else — truly understands the high calling of a shepherd, the Church's voice is needed as we seek who is best to shepherd our communities, states, and nation. In the same way Paul stated, "Imitate me as I imitate Christ," Christians must select leaders who look to Christ as their ultimate example.