The 2020 Singapore General Elections (GE) was an interesting experience for myself. Being away for overseas studies with family, this was the first time I was going to miss being able to vote (the nearest Singapore embassy was at least a 12-hour drive one-way). Having been away for almost a year has taught me many lessons, and also caused me to cherish and appreciate more what we have in Singapore. After the euphoria and hype of the elections begins to subside, I found myself reflecting what lessons we could learn, especially as the Church, the body of Christ, drawing from the life of David and the disciples.
1. Crisis is both a danger & an opportunity
In the midst of the global COVID-19 pandemic, several secular and religious leaders have noted that a crisis can be both a danger and an opportunity, particularly if you consider the Chinese word for crisis 危机 (wéijī), literally a combination of two words, danger (危险 wéixiǎn) and opportunity (机会 jīhuì). Nations and governments have had to deal with the widespread coronavirus from both within and without their borders, forcing massive air travel restrictions, severe lockdowns and quarantines, and ramping up of support for healthcare and frontline workers and infrastructures. Our Singapore government was hailed as a leading role model in dealing with the COVID-19 crisis, especially in containment of imported and community cases, but also met some roadbumps in dealing with cases amongst foreign worker dormitories. Many questioned the calling of the elections in the midst of this pandemic as well. Although the initial predictions and political rhetoric was leaning towards the ruling party, to trust in and fall back on reliable leadership, and not to “rock the boat” in times of crisis, Singaporeans also showed that this could also be the impetus towards breaking new ground, making alternative choices, and taking a chance on new candidates.
For the nation of Israel, amidst God’s rejection of Saul as king, and the torment of Goliath and the Philistines, God raised up young David to be anointed as the next king through the prophet Samuel. Is your church facing a crisis at the moment, such as dealing with church operations amidst the coronavirus, or leadership or staff issues, or conflicts and disunity among members? As much as we do not crave ill-will or troubles, ask the Lord for wisdom and direction in how He might be leading you and your church through this for His own kingdom purposes, and how you can seek and wait for God’s opportunity in the midst of danger and crisis.
For the younger generations in the church, how might God be asking or leading you to be pro-active, put your hand to the plow, and be part of the solution, rather than the problem? You might not be the answer to all the church’s problems, but you can do your small part in building and furthering God’s kingdom. God used Jesus’ disciples, despite their inadequacies, weaknesses, betrayal and failures, to lead and grow the early church after His death, resurrection and ascension.
2. Leadership is as much about character as it is about competence
Through this elections, we saw several cases by different parties and individuals who resorted to character assassination, serious allegations and what some deemed “gutter politics.” Some were more serious and valid than others, but most, if not all, focused more on the personal lives and character of candidates, rather than their competence. In a world that prides accomplishments, achievement and accolades, leaders are still often judged and weighed not just by their credentials and competence, but also by their character. Substance matters, often much more than stature or status.
When the prophet Samuel was tasked by the Lord to choose the new king to replace Saul, God’s counter-cultural teaching was that man looks at the outward appearance but God looks at the heart (1 Sam. 16:7). In the context of the church, it is definitively harder to judge or know a person’s character, especially if you are hiring a new staff or pastor. Perhaps only time will tell and test a person’s true nature; often only pressure and crisis bring out the best and worst in people as well. Pray for discernment and seek to encourage a culture that esteems godly values such as integrity, faithfulness, and wisdom.
For the young in our midst, learn not just to focus on building up your resume or portfolio, seek and ask God to grow and develop your character, exemplified in the fruit of the Spirit. As much as spiritual gifts are important in evaluating and matching people to ministry, choosing leaders based on gifting alone can have disastrous effects. Looking at the criteria for elders and deacons in the Bible, much of the qualities focus both on character and competence. David was described as a man after God’s own heart (1 Sam. 13:14; Acts 13:22). God looks at our heart, and He desires obedience above sacrifice (1 Sam 15:22).
3. Use your head as well as your heart
In the analysis of how people voted in the elections, several speculations or theories were made about what made voters change their minds, or how many voted for other parties and candidates, based on the events and issues leading up to election day. After all has been said and done, I believe that many voted with either their head or their heart. Some chose to vote rationally, logically, or even safely; others chose to vote passionately, riding on emotions, or even rebelliously. Some prefer the status quo; others might desire change or to try something new and different. This is not to say which is better or that one or the other might be right or wrong. The people voting for whichever party or candidate could have done so with either or both head and heart.
There needs to be a balance of both, especially within the Church. We cannot always take the logical, common-sense, safe or even pragmatic approach; we also cannot always take the impulsive or rebellious approach. Often this is seen most contrastingly between the older and younger generations. This does not necessarily have to be the stigma or stereotype. Ultimately, we need wisdom and guidance from God; His ways and thoughts are above ours (Isa. 55:8-9).
For the younger generations, choose to be an active member of your congregation, attend AGMs, and take an informed role and vote wisely for your pastors and elders. What surprised me was the number of rejected votes, especially in crucial hotspots that were fiercely contested. If all those votes were valid, I believe it might have made a significant difference. As Paul instructed Timothy, “Let no one look down on your youthfulness, but rather in speech, conduct, love, faith and purity, show yourself an example of those who believe” (1 Tim. 4:12).
4. The young need to be encouraged, trained, & step up
I was encouraged on both sides of this election to see young people step up and be involved. Younger candidates were fielded by all parties, many younger volunteers helped out in election activities, and many young voters participated, and some argue, swung crucial votes and constituencies. On both sides of the Church, I believe this is vital especially as we look to the future. There is an aging leadership amongst many churches in Singapore, similarly identified in our Government and Parliament as well; hence the initiatives to train and groom the third and fourth generation (4G) leaders. As much as some churches have begun that process, many are still lagging behind or playing catch-up. Within the span of the next 10-20 years, who will be the leaders and pastors of our churches? Are those in their 20s and 30s now being identified, mentored or even given opportunities to serve and lead alongside more senior and experienced leaders and pastors? There needs to be a closing of this leadership gap and crisis before it is too late, or only when situations become urgent e.g. leaders leave, retire or pass on. Leadership training, development and succession needs to be addressed from the onset in the life and direction of the Church.
David did not have the luxury to learn purposefully from Saul; in fact, much of his life was spend running away as Saul wanted him dead. The prophet Samuel and later Nathan were the ones who guided and advised David through his kingship. Jesus spent 3 years with his disciples, so much so that the religious leaders of the Sanhedrin were surprised at their courage, recognizing that they had been with Jesus (Acts 4:13). This was Jesus’ mandate when he appointed the 12, “that they might be with him and that he might send them out” (Mk. 3:14).
Young leaders, seek to spend as much time being as you spend doing. Our walk comes before our work; Jesus calls us to be with him, and to be sent out to do His will and ministry. Paul instructed Timothy to watch both his life and his teaching (1 Tim. 4:16). Having said that, we need to encourage our young people to step up in service and leadership. As much as we strive for excellence and desire qualified and gifted leaders, the process of training and development needs to start whilst they are young.
5. Live for today, but look towards tomorrow
The government decided to hold this GE in the midst of a global pandemic; life still goes on even in the midst of crisis. Decisions and choices still have to be made, leaders still have to be elected and continue serving. Our nation needs to grapple with the challenges of today, but also prepare and anticipate the future, in order for us to survive and thrive through the coming years. There is much to learn from senior leaders, but yet at the same time, younger leaders have much to give and contribute.
As much as young people live by the YOLO (you only live once) principle, there is value and reward in both living in the moment, as well as having farsighted wisdom for the future. This applies in life as well as in leadership. Taking a gap year, travelling the world, volunteering for a service project, has their time and place, and is not necessarily wrong or unwise. Yet time and tide wait for no man.
Preparing for the future begins today. I remember starting to save for my wedding when I began serving National Service (this was back in 1996, NS pay has appreciated significantly since then). Although my BMT recruit pay was meagre, I calculated that if I save $250 a month for 10 years (from age 20), I would have saved $30k, enough for a modest wedding by the time I turned 30. At the same time, I was reminded and encouraged to focus on becoming a Mr Right, instead of just trying to look out for Ms Right. Learn to live a balanced lifestlye that appreciates and cherishes life and relationships in the present, but also keeps an eye on the future that God holds in His hands. Grow and develop to be a changemaker, a worldshaker, looking with hope and anticipation of all that God is doing and will do in and through you. How can you, like David, serve God’s purpose in your own generation (Acts 13:36)?
Finally, I believe just like Singapore, and just like our government, the Church is inter-generational and called to be united in diversity. It is about young and old serving and leading together, as together we are the Church, not just of the past, or the present, but also of the future. May God grant us His grace and power to fulfill His kingdom purposes for His glory until He returns.
