It seems like every time I turn around, someone else is tossing their hat into the proverbial election ring.
I’ve lost track of how many are running, and how many are just testing the waters.
Democrats, Republicans, and Independents; the 2016 presidential campaign is well under way.
So I found myself wondering: what should a presidential look like? Besides the necessary qualifications listed below, what kind of things should we expect from a person who’s aspiring to the highest office in this country?
Qualifications for the Office of President:
Age and Citizenship requirements – US Constitution, Article II, Section 1 – No person except a natural born citizen, or a citizen of the United States, at the time of the adoption of this Constitution, shall be eligible to the office of President; neither shall any person be eligible to that office who shall not have attained to the age of thirty-five years, and been fourteen years a resident within the United States.
According to the 2014 census, approximately 160 million people are old enough to be elected President. That’s a lot of people!
So what should a president look like?
What makes for the best presidential candidate?
Here’s my opinion.
The President of the United States of America should have these qualities of character:
1. Since much wisdom is needed, the first qualifying trait should be the Fear of the Lord. The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. Someone who fears the Lord will seek guidance and insight from the Lord. The Ancient of Days is more than capable of providing wisdom to govern, as well as the power to protect.
When a man’s ways please the Lord, He makes his enemies to be at peace with him.
2. A candidate for the office of president should understand their responsibility to govern according to the laws of God first. Every ruler is nothing more than a steward of God’s people. Servants, ministers of God, according to Romans 13.
3. Uphold the rule of law as outlined in the Constitution.
4. Protect this nation’s sovereignty, its resources and citizenry.
5. Preserve the nation’s heritage and freedoms.
6. Surround themselves with a cabinet of advisors who understand they are accountable to God first and foremost. Men and women who seek the betterment of the entire population, not just a few special interest groups.
7. Political experience is not required. However, experience in servant leadership a must.
I define servant leadership as leading by example. The best illustration of this is the life of Jesus.
8. The one who is elected president should be someone who will live according to the same laws as everyone else.
Again, the servant-leader.
9. Finally, a person who doesn’t owe any group or individual anything other than to govern fairly. Someone who can’t and won’t be purchased with votes.
Maybe there are other qualifications you feel are needed.
If YOU were running things, what would you require?
What does the best presidential candidate look like to you?
Jan Grace 