President Todd J. Williams’ Blog

I am somewhat of a news hound as well as a political junkie with a serious interest in history. So lately I find myself reading, listening, and watching others pontificate about the state of things. It's hard to get through the day anymore without a reminder of the challenges facing our nation and the uncertainties that accompany them. But in my opinion the real challenges are about leadership. Everyone wants to talk about the problems and wants to be heard. But I hear little discussion about the importance of wisdom. What we need today is good judgement, the application of wisdom, clear thinking that counts the costs of decisions, and the courage to act in the ways that are the best - not neccesarily the easiest or most popular. This is what leadership is about, - good decision making. This is what Proverbs is all about. Whether we lead a church, a committee, a corporation, or a commonwealth we are charged with the care of people and resources, and that requires wisdom beyond ourselves. Solomon said, "With all your getting, get wisdom." Job said, "Where is wisdom? God knows the way to it.- Fear the Lord." My prayer is that our students would get busy, get humble, and get wisdom so they are ready to lead when they are called upon.

Posted by Todd J. Williams, Ph.D at 3:21 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Yesterday, November 9, was named an International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church by Voice of the Martyrs .Today in chapel, just prior to my address, we took the time to pray. We prayed for one another, for our grads, for our leaders, and for those serving in missions. We also prayed for the suffering, and finally for those Christians who are being persecuted for their faith. I reminded the students that believers in China, India, and parts of Africa are being targeted for their faith and that Christian workers in Afghanistan are being killed by the Taliban for "spreading their religion". We need to remember that the Church is world-wide and that many Christians in other parts of the world do not enjoy the freedoms of religion we do here in the U.S. We need to be good stewards of our blessings and freedoms and pray regularly for our brothers and sisters whose livelihoods, lives, and those of their children are threatened because of their faith. I am thankful for how interested in these things our students are and for what God will do in and through them as they take these issues seriously.

Posted by Todd J. Williams, Ph.D at 9:45 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Tomorrow one of the most significant presidential elections in recent American history will take place. For weeks now the nation, the airwaves, and our even campus have been counting down the days, watching the polls, and pushing for greater voter participation. Last week in chapel prior to my message I reminded the students that it was our biblical obligation to pray for our leaders and to give them our respect. One of the best ways to respect those in authority and to exercise our God-given rights as citizens of this country is to cast our votes. What a privilege it is to live in a land where power is transferred peaceably from one leader to the next. -And to think, the will of the people, no matter how divided, no matter how hotly contested, is the determining factor. As Americans we must remember that decisions are made by those who show up. Tomorrow, the people who show up will speak. As Christians we must remember that it is God who establishes authority. Tomorrow, we will see the sovereignty of God at work.

Posted by Todd J. Williams, Ph.D at 1:50 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)