One Life – Where are the Statesmen?
There has never been a time when true statesmen have been more needed or in shorter supply. We as a people have lost our ability to trust our leaders in the most important areas of our lives. Cynicism is growing almost palpably and our hearts ache for renewal at every level. In government, in business, and in our churches we yearn for statesmen but we get politicians and careerists.
Statesmen are leaders (men and women) who stand for what is right regardless of the popularity of their position. Politicians are ONLY concerned with what is popular. A nation ruled by politicians, as we are now and have been for quite some time, will inevitably sink to the lowest common denominator of morality, which, unfortunately, always trends lower and lower over time.
This is also true in the church where we long for leaders who are called and anointed men of God, prophets, but get careerists who seek to build personal careers rather than Jesus’ Church. Careerists are primarily concerned with popularity with “seekers” and with a “nickels and noses” orientation because increasing these metrics leads to larger personal reputation and more money. Careerists are willing to compromise to be popular and in their hearts love money and security just like their heathen neighbors. Their lifestyles, which model no discernible difference from reasonably honest heathen’s, demonstrate their true values. They have redefined sin to be mistakes and poor choices.
(If you’re wondering whether you are a part of a church led by a careerist just ask yourself; when was the last time was that you heard a sermon that condemned divorce, abortion, or homosexual behaviour, and if your “praise team” is so loud you can’t hear anyone else sing.)
Christain careerists in business lead dichotomous lives using one standard in church and another at work. They too care more about personal career success and “security” than about God’s Kingdom. If being a Christian in the workplace ever became a crime there would not be enough evidence to convict them of even a misdemeanor. Others consider them to be hypocrites because they observe them living one standard but professing another.
It’s not like there is no option for this mess. There is the truest “Statesman” ever living in the heart of every true Christian. God’s Holy Spirit ALWAYS stands up for what is right, never compromises, and never backs down in the face of popular opinion. He always has an opinion and never fails to strive to make it known through the noise of the culture. We have so very few statesmen only because we don’t listen or have the courage to obey when obedience would clash with what’s popular. No wonder we get politicians. Basically, we deserve them.
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Buck Jacobs, Chairman and Founder of The C12 Group, LLC - Christian CEO and mentor. Buck has an extensive background in successful organizational development based on the principles found in scripture. The motto of the C12 group is "Building great companies for a greater purpose." 
Seems we are comfortable with the lukewarm whatever. We’d be wise to remember what the Lord thinks of that! I loved your challege of Christianity in the workplace; and not having enough evidence to convict someone of a misdemeanor. Let the world search me for evidence of my faith in all arenas my life, and be found feloneous!