Equality

Read Deuteronomy 17:14-20
“When he takes the throne of his kingdom, he is to write for himself on a scroll a copy of this law, taken from that of the priests, who are Levites. 
It is to be with him, and he is to read it all the days of his life so that he may learn to revere the LORD his God and follow carefully all the words of this law and these decrees and not consider himself better than his brothers and turn from the law to the right or to the left. Then he and his descendants will reign a long time over his kingdom in Israel.” 
                                                                                                 Deuteronomy17:18-20

Moses had been appointed as leader by God.  However, God knew that the people would in time want a king. Therefore he set criteria for the king.
He would be chosen by God,
Not dependent on military power
Not allied with super powers such as Egypt
He would have few wives
Not excessively wealthy
Devoted to Gods law
The criteria made sense. Especially keeping in mind that Israel was theocracy not a democracy.  Still, however, in the twenty-first century the criteria makes sense.
One of the things we, especially, here in the West complain about, is that our government leaders are out of touch with the man on the street.
Case in point, I heard a few days ago that many people, and doctors in the United States want health care reform.  In excess of forty million simply want health care.
Yet, there are many in government opposing health care reform. This despite the fact the thousands of people go bankrupt because of medical bills.
Here in Canada, many have lost their life savings and pensions, because of the economic conditions. Yet, government officials seem to be blind to the situation.
Is it any wonder that our political leaders can’t see and meet the needs of the people?
A member of parliament here in Canada gets an excellent salary, benefits and a pension plan guaranteed by the Canadian government. In other words the people of Canada.
Their benefits are far better than most of the population.  Far better than the Government of Canada’s pension plan the average Canadian gets.
Further more the average man on the street can loose his pension if the company he or she works for goes broke or pulls up stakes and heads overseas.
Men and women, that are elected to government office are for the most part, well off financially before they came to office.
It costs a lot to run a political campaign. The average person on the street while free to run in the election, hasn’t the finances to get elected.
Politicians have no idea what it’s like to live on less than twenty thousand dollars a year, let a lone what it’s like to live on a welfare cheque.
I’ve never heard of a politician’s child having to live in a cockroach infested building in Toronto or other cities.
No politician has ever had to make the decision to pay the rent or buy food.
That’s were God’s law differs from man's.  It doesn’t say the leaders can’t be wealthy, it simply says in Deuteronomy 17:17 that he can’t accumulate large amounts of silver and gold.
Politicians, especially, good ones deserve a good salary and benefits.  I’m sure it is a hard job.
However, God recognized that leaders can easily be distracted by power and material things.  Therefore, He requires moderation in all things for the leader.
He requires leaders to know His laws and to do what is right.
He requires leaders to be first and foremost servants of the people, something I feel is lost on political leaders today. Politicians who are too quick to listen to special interest groups. Usually well funded special interest groups with one agenda to get only what they want from the government.
Jesus said:
“The greatest among you will be your servant.” 
                                                              Matthew 23:11  
I wonder would any of our elected members of parliament be willing to wash the feet of the lowliest member of his or her constituency?
Would they be willing to give ten percent of their salary to food banks in their constituency?
Better still would they be willing to pass legislation that funds food banks fully. Would they be willing to pass legislation that gives all the members in their constituency the same benefits they are entitled too by virtue of being an elected representative?
Why not write and ask them?  
After all if they espouse to be Christian, isn’t it the right, and Christian thing to do?
Think about it.