Article 2, Section 1, Paragraphs 7-8
The President shall, at stated Times, receive for his Services, a Compensation, which shall neither be increased nor diminished during the Period for which he shall have been elected, and he shall not receive within that Period any other Emolument from the United States, or any of them.
Before he enter on the Execution of his Office, he shall take the following Oath or Affirmation:—"I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will faithfully execute the Office of President of the United States, and will to the best of my Ability, preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States."
Constitutional Defender
The President is to see that the United States Constitution is carefully followed, understood, and preserved. His job is to police the actions of the legislature and judiciary as well as his own department to insure complete compliance with the law and letter of the Constitution. Amendments must be avoided if at all possible.
Samson had a sworn duty given to him by God before his birth to be a judge and deliverer of Israel. He had amazing ability and power to do this, but lived an unclean and shameful life. He abased his powers and squandered away his life.
Moses knew he was nothing in the eyes of man. He knew he was incapable of fulfilling the great task he was appointed to do, yet he obeyed God, accepted the office, and lived to become one of the greatest leaders in Israel’s history.
Several kings were appointed by God and saw miraculous victories, yet they turned to idolatry and their lives and honor fell into disgrace. The reason is that they did not understand their position as under God, and to be an influence for good and a deterrent to evil. Because they did not understand the oath that is sworn as being king of the people of God, they sought to advance their own interests and so fell into idolatry, immorality, and so their lives ended in disgrace and dishonor.
The president is placed in a similar situation. His purpose is to guard and enforce the Constitution of a Christian nation. He is to conduct himself very carefully under the Creator who gave us this country and who granted presidential opportunity to him. If he uses the office inappropriately and unconstitutionally, he will end his life in disgrace and dishonor.
Leaders are held to a higher accountability level. When they sin, they cause the nation to sin. It is a sad record to find oft repeated in Scripture:
1 Kings 14:16, "And he shall give Israel up because of the sins of Jeroboam, who did sin, and who made Israel to sin."
 |
 |
 |
