Governance, its challenges

Most people are unaware of the dynamics in governance, particularly from a Christian perspective.

I emphasise the truth that the Christian faith is not one of the popular religions attempting to gain followers.

As a matter of fact, we are not to be identified as a religion, but rather a course and conduct aimed at serving humanity using gifts and resources and championing a cause for demonstration of love, first to our God and Lord Jesus Christ, and then conclusively humanity.  

I use the text from Ecclesiastes 10:16, where it identifies the woes of the land, in an attempt to diagnose a problem.

The word ‘woe’ in scriptures is the employment of the dramatic to show the severity of the problem.

Thus, ‘woe’, speaks of troubles, problems, setbacks, inconveniences and pains. 
And what is the cause of this woe? In this case it is that the land or the nation has a ruler that is a child.

And by this, we are not talking about an age, but a mindset obviously leading to a destructive behavioural pattern.

Selfishness is common to most children. Notice that most children rarely share their toys or even food with other children, even adults.

So a child ruler in this case refuses to share the national resources with the citizenry, but rather amasses them for himself or herself and their families.

They also exhibit insatiable appetites, never saying enough, preferring to squander until the resources dry up.

Then they go on to impose taxes on the same citizens that they have denied in the sharing of the national cake. 

So, the problem of most countries classifying themselves as developing countries is mostly the daunting problem of the leader that is a child both at heart and in the mindset.

Scriptures do not deny the reality that rulers need to eat, but it is a matter of timing and purpose.

The morning alludes to when leaders eat prematurely or when the nation needs to prioritise development and progress.

When the investments yield their increase, the land now permits the leaders to eat first, before citizens. 

The imbalance here is when the leaders take from the resource pool at the wrong time, take from the citizens too, then go further to tax them.

I believe that the land has eyes and ears.

They can know that a leader is being childish and the response is to refuse to yield increase.

There are dynamics and protocols when it comes to seeking for progress and advancement.

The earth of its own volition refuses to favour a ruler that is childish, and so, it sets the elements against that ruler resulting in famine (economic deficiency, economic depression). 

The secret to a nation rising and becoming great is to discern those who are adults in mindset and actions, and place them at the helm of affairs.

They do not have to be perfect, but they must possess these key traits. 

Leaders are seen as fathers and mothers; those tendencies must guide their governance.

Too often, we insist on charismatic and intellectual traits and we ignore the critical points that every leader must possess. 

The ability of every leader to control their urges, exercise restraint in the consumption of resources should be a standout feature.

To ignore this is to sign off and bequeath the wealth of the nation to children who would never concern themselves with the challenges of the citizenry.

A nation that has rulers who know how and when to eat transport blessings upon the land and not woe!

The writer is a minister/author.
E-mail: davidashun21@gmail.com