In reading the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution of the United States and George Washington’s farewell address to the nation, it suddenly came clear to me the significance of the oath of office taken by any public official.

The founders of this nation were predominantly men who were devout followers of Jesus Christ and the founding documents must be understood to reflect their core beliefs. When they included the oath of office in the Constitution they had in mind that only men who met the three characteristics of leadership recorded in the book of Acts chapter 6 would serve. Leaders must be of good reputation, full of wisdom and full of the Holy Spirit.

Without these characteristics men operate out of selfish motives rather than for the good of the people they are to represent.

A famous 18th century revivalist, Charles Finney, was right when he said the ills of our society fall at the foot of the pulpit.

I know it sounds hard, but it is basically true that a society that does not know, nor honor Jesus Christ will vote into office men who are unprincipled and selfish like themselves. This has been true throughout history.

If you doubt what I am saying I challenge you to examine the lives of our elected officials and see which ones have left office without being much wealthier than when they went into office. You will find a very short list.

I therefore recommend that each of us start looking at the character of candidates rather than what they promise to do for us.

A truly principled candidate will do the right thing when no one else is looking. That is what our founders were and what they expected us to elect.

Charlie Caldwell

Vicksburg