SENTINEL WATCH February 23, 2009 Issue

THE ETHICS OF THE ELECTED

LOIS CARLSON

IN THE UNITED STATES, many state governments are finding the importance of passing ethics reform legislation to clarify the relationship between state businesses and the money used to fund political campaigns. In the State of Illinois an Ethics Reform Act went into effect January 1, 2009, promising a new standard for contractors and government officials. Nonetheless, a record number of federal corruption charges are being prosecuted against those who have built their careers on influence peddling.

A spiritual perspective can help keep us active in prayer as the reform measures take effect. The New Testament urges prayer for people in authority (see I Tim. 2:1, 2). But how do we pray to uphold our elected officials when they are under criminal investigation?

The psalms of King David in the Bible are full of prayers for righteousness. As king, David must have known his own need to defend his character and uphold justice in his kingdom. The benefits of obeying wise counsel were clear: "Commit thy way unto the Lord; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass. And he shall bring forth thy righteousness as the light, and thy judgment as the noonday" (Ps. 37:5, 6).