Reflections on Faith, Leadership, and Our Nation

This past Saturday, November 1st, my Old Testament reading brought me to the book of Daniel.  As I read, I was struck by the weight of these words: “The Most High is ruler over the realm of mankind and bestows it on whomever He wishes.” (Daniel 4:25b) It was not planned, but the timing felt significant. I found peace in the reminder that, no matter what happens in the world, God is in control.

As I reflect on Daniel’s life in Babylon, I am reminded that it offers a powerful example for us as Christians. It shows how to live faithfully in a world that may not share our values—how to stand firm in our beliefs, to serve faithfully, and to pray for God’s will to be done, even in a foreign or difficult context.

On Tuesday morning, as Election Day dawned, I was reading Daniel 4 and found myself meditating on the humbling of King Nebuchadnezzar. He was made to live like a beast for seven years until he acknowledged that “the Most High is sovereign over all kingdoms on earth.” In the midst of our own nation’s tumultuous political climate, I found myself praying for similar humility to fall upon our leaders—that they would turn from their sin and embrace righteousness, showing mercy to the poor and the vulnerable.

I journaled:

“Every year, the election comes, and we trudge through scandal and disgust. It seems to have only gotten worse—or at least less hidden—in recent elections. I do not know what the future holds for our country, but I do know that it is ruled by the Most High, whether our leaders recognize it or not. So I pray. I pray for a ruler to be established who will be humbled, who will break from their sins, and who will seek righteousness. If the heart of the elected is not one that embodies this, I pray for one who is the least offensive to my faith. But even if this is not the case, I will not despair. Jesus is my King.”

As Wednesday arrived and the results of the election were known, I would be lying if I said my heart wasn’t affected. But as I stood outside, greeting the students I care so much about, I was asked a simple question: “Did the election turn out the way you hoped?”

I paused, reflecting on the question, when the questioner quickly corrected himself: “Did the election turn out the way you voted?”

We are living in a very volatile time. It’s easy to become caught up in the tension and division and even feel our very hope is at stake. But as much as I pray for our country and its leaders, I am reminded that my role—our role as a school community—must remain focused on our true hope, our true mission. I cannot spend my energy trying to navigate these troubled waters. My primary responsibility is to lead Heritage Christian Academy, not to engage in the political debates that can so easily pull us off course. It is a responsibility I take very seriously, and I feel deeply humbled and blessed to serve in this capacity.

Last week, during Friday morning worship, I read John 10 over our secondary students. In it, Jesus declares that He is the Good Shepherd who loves His sheep and is willing to die for them. I shared with the students that while Jesus is the Chief Shepherd, He has also established under-shepherds—leaders who care for His flock. I reminded them, and now I remind you, that I am not a hireling but an invested shepherd of your children. I love each of them deeply, and I would lay down my life for them.Thank you for the honor of leading your students.

Let us continue to pray for our country, but let us also focus on what God has called us to do here—raise up the next generation to carry the true hope of Jesus into the world.

May God bless you all, and may He guide us in these challenging times.