Pray for the Team Too

“If a ruler listens to falsehood, all his officials will be wicked.” (Proverbs 29:12)

When Presidents are elected, I am not always as concerned about who they are or what their policies are. I am interested in their Cabinet, their Chief of Staff and Vice President.

For example, when Abraham Lincoln was elected, he appointed “a team of rivals” in his cabinet. It demonstrated his willingness to be humbly listen to those who didn’t agree with him, and that speaks volumes about his character. Instead of choosing “yes men,” President Lincoln chose helpers.

Solomon says in this proverb that it is important that rulers surround themselves with people of character. Why? Wicked begets wickedness.

Paul said that bad company can make good people just like them (I Cor 15:33). Paul was quoting from a Roman poet named Menander, and even though Menander was not inspired when he said it, it doesn’t make it any less true. It is not part of inspired Scripture any more than a quotation in a sermon or the sermon itself.

When guys gather in a locker room and participate in off-color jokes, the temptation to engage and laugh becomes strong…even for the godliest Christian.

So, when you pray for the Executive Branch, don’t limit it to the President. Pray for that President’s advisers.   

When you pray for the Judicial Branch, don’t limit it to the Supreme Court justices. Pray for their clerks and research team.

When you pray for the Legislative Branch, don’t limit it to the Congress. Pray for their interns and staff.

Every ruler needs wise counsel from men and women of integrity. It is in our best interest to pray this way.