The Choice of People for Political Office

I Samuel 16:1-13 states that God chose David to be king in place of King Saul before Saul died, before Saul knew he'd be replaced, before even David knew he was being considered to be king. It is not ambition that should govern a politician. Governing power is not something to be grasped, for the grasper will lose what he takes or attempts to take. Even after being king for many years and facing the loss of his kingdom, he had little ambition to be king. When his own son had lead a revolt and was seeking to kill David, David said, "And the king said unto Zadok, Carry back the ark of God into the city: if I shall find favour in the eyes of the LORD, he will bring me again, and shew me both it, and his habitation: But if he thus say, I have no delight in thee; behold, here am I, let him do to me as seemeth good unto him." II Samuel 15:25-6.

King Saul was the opposite; he was so intent upon retaining what he had already lost - the kingdom - that he was willing to kill the priests of the Lord for suspicion of helping David lead a revolt against Saul, even though David had not done so. See I Samuel 22. Thus, the loss of the kingdom was not based upon lack of ambition, and the gaining of the kingdom was not based upon ambition. "For promotion cometh neither from the east, nor from the west, nor from the south. But God is the judge: he putteth down one, and setteth up another." Psalm 75:6-7.

It is arguable that it is immoral for men to seek political office as a career. A position in civil government is a position well described as "public servant." However, just as important is the term "minister of God." Romans 13. Position in civil government is a gift from God, an entrusting with service to the public and to God. Early Americans looked upon public service as voluntary, part-time, even unpaid service. They served their country as a service. Many were wealthy and were not paid for their service. Thus, today, when so many politicians seem only intent upon advancing their own careers, enactment of term limits is a legitimate way to prevent ambitious office-seekers from creating a career out of political service.