God has specific criterion by which He interacts with humankind at a national and individual level. Let’s take a look at Jeremiah 9:23 and 24.

“Thus says the Lord. Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom. Let not the mighty man glory in his might, nor the rich man glory in his riches; but let him who glories, glory in this, that he knows and understands Me, that I am the Lord, exercising lovingkindness, judgement and righteousness in the earth. For in these I delight, says the Lord”.

God will deal with the nations according to the criterion of lovingkindness, judgement, and righteousness. The man who glories tend to think that it is by his might, his strength and ability of wisdom that he will succeed. Your glorying is not good, Paul told the Corinthians, as they tended to stroke each other, erroneously thinking that success was getting or having the greatest popularity in the church. How easy is it to fall into the trap of self-glory! After all it is something for which we all tend to strive.

In the end God will make the judgment on nations and individuals. While I appreciate Donald Trump’s confidence in his own leadership, ability and determination, I appreciate a lot more the too few and meagre phrases in his various speeches, that God will help us. How about less about Donald and more about God? I think success wouldn’t be so hard to come by if that were the case.

Let’s contrast Mr. Trump’s leadership style with a 91 year old woman who is the longest reigning, and most respected monarch, national and the world, and arguably the most influential person in terms of inspiring people to lead a good and decent life.

As a girl guide, the then princess Elizabeth promised, ‘I will do my best to do my duty to God and my king’. What is the secret of the Queen’s remarkable consistency of character and extraordinary contribution to nation, Commonwealth and the global community? It’s a question she herself answered in 2002.

‘I know just how much I rely on my faith to guide me through the good times and the bad. Each day is a new beginning, I know that the only way to live my life is to try to do what is right, to take the long view, to give of my best in all that the day brings, and to put my trust in God....I draw strength from the message of hope in the Christian gospel.’

She has had a grueling travel and work schedule for over 60 years, but as political commentator Andrew Marr pointed out: “There are no reliable incidents of the Queen losing her temper, using bad language, or refusing to carry out a duty expected of her.”

Most of us would find it hard to match that record for a week, never mind 60 years. She is the supreme Governor of the Church of England, attends church weekly, even on holidays, and prays daily, but never tells anyone to go to church. From The Servant Queen, published by the Bible Society.

And in her years’ end message to the British people, that she reads her Bible each day. I am sure she knows this scripture: “For thus says the High and Lofty One Who inhabits eternity, whose name is Holy: "I dwell in the high and holy place, With him who has a contrite and humble spirit, To revive the spirit of the humble, And to revive the heart of the contrite ones” (Isa 57:15). What kind of leader will you be?