Voices: Moral leadership matters for the presidency

The approaching 2024 presidential election is an opportune time to delve into a recent debate that has gained momentum: “Do morals matter?”

This question weighs much on the presidency, which is central to America’s politics.

As a presidential candidate, Franklin D. Roosevelt said, “The Presidency … is preeminently a place of moral leadership.”

This begs the question: “Is moral leadership essential for the American president?”

Essence of moral leadership

Moral leadership is not just about adhering to ethical norms. It encompasses decisions rooted in justice and collective welfare. Such leaders are distinguished by their integrity, empathy and commitment to the broader good. Their actions set precedents, shaping societal expectations and creating a ripple effect.

While it is debated whether moral leadership is necessary for American presidents, moral leadership is essential across different sectors, including business, education and healthcare.

In the business world, ethical leadership ensures accountability, fosters a positive work environment and builds trust among stakeholders.

Educational leaders with moral integrity shape young minds, setting standards for future generations.

In health care, moral leadership is crucial for making decisions that affect patients’ lives and well-being.

Churchgoers demand their pastors display high levels of morality, for morality equates to doing the right thing.

We demand morality from different individuals in various leadership positions. Why should the presidency be excluded?

Some presidents have set benchmarks in moral leadership, while others have been embroiled in controversies raising questions about their ethical stances.

The presidency is not merely an administrative position. It reflects the nation’s ethos. Each decision, statement or action emanates across borders, echoing the nation’s stance to the world.

Why moral leadership matters

Considering the presidency as a reflection of the nation’s ethos, the significance of moral leadership in this role is paramount. The president’s moral leadership not only influences policy decisions, but also establishes the ethical tone for the country’s moral compass.

Several reasons why moral leadership is indispensable for the U.S. president are:

Influence: Presidential conduct strengthens or diminishes public moral standards.

Trustworthiness: Moral leadership transmits trust among the nationals.

Moral framework: Moral leadership can transcend and span different levels of governance.

Unification: As a symbol of unity, a moral leader cements national unity.

Diplomatic stature: A moral framework can foster international alliances.

Enacting our morals

Moral leadership for the U.S. president remains a contentious issue. Regardless, it is important as we move closer to the 2024 presidential election that we reflect upon important values and principles that are meaningful for us and define who should be a better candidate.

We must act as responsible citizens and observe the candidates, what they have done and how well their values align with ours respectively. We also must develop a vision for our nation through moral leadership or strategic approaches to enhance our common good. It is within our power to mold the direction of our country by being informed and involved in this crucial procedure.

As we prepare to vote, we should consider the impact of moral leadership and a rational outlook on our society, within and without.

Get out and vote to support the candidate whose vision for a better future aligns with the moral vision of America. We can choose a president of integrity who will steer our nation forward and unite its citizens.

I encourage all of us to examine thoroughly the principles and values we believe are vital to a leader. Contemplate the influence of moral leadership and a realistic perspective on our society, both domestically and globally.

Utilize the vote and your voice to support the candidate who closely aligns with the vision for a better future. Together, we possess the power to select a president who can lead with integrity, guide our nation toward progress and foster unity among its people.

Our ultimate allegiance

Voting is not just a civic duty. It’s also a spiritual responsibility. It’s an opportunity to promote integrity, justice and unity in our society and support leaders who will uphold these values.

The call to utilize our vote and voice to support a candidate who aligns with a vision for a better future is a call to exercise our moral responsibility. We are guided by values of integrity, justice and unity, which should be reflected in our political choices. Therefore, our choice of leadership should foster these values, promoting unity among our nation’s people.

Moreover, Christian principles encourage us to be good stewards of our resources, including our political influence. This is not just about personal faith, but it is about contributing to a society that respects and upholds these values for the common good.

However, it’s important to remember our ultimate allegiance is to God, not to any political leader or party. Our hope and trust should be in God’s sovereignty, knowing he can use any leader for his purposes.

Therefore, as we engage in the political process, we should do so with humility, prayer and discernment, seeking to align our choices with God’s will and the teachings of Jesus Christ.

As we make our choices, let us do so with prayerful consideration, guided by our faith and commitment to the teachings of Christ, never forgetting 1 Timothy 2:1-2: “I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgiving be made for all people—for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.”

Joshua Longmire is assistant professor in leadership at Dallas Baptist University. The views expressed are those of the author.