A nation can attain greatness with intelligent and healthy citizens. Righteousness makes a nation great. (Proverbs 14:34) Martin Luther promoted universal education for boys and girls as part of the Protestant Reformation. Missionaries who went around the world established educational institutions and hospitals. The impact of these institutions transformed many communities, cities, and nations.
Blind leaders
Sadly, most nations lack godly and righteous leaders. When the leaders are selfish, they care for their luxuries and security. They are generous only to their family members or a particular caste or clan. Hence, most nations have an elite who have high living standards. Amid a sea of poverty, they live in luxury yachts.
Rich man and Lazarus
Such leaders are like the Rich Man in the parable, who did not recognise the presence of Lazarus. In that culture, there was also a habit of using flat bread like tissues to wipe when eating and then throwing it away. Lazarus had to pick them up and sometimes fight with dogs to get enough. The Rich man was not wicked or unrighteous or had illegitimate wealth. But his lack of concern for the poor, marginalised, and hungry was a sin. (Luke 16:19-31) Those who mock the poor, by words, action, and inaction, are insulting the creator. (Proverbs 17:5)
Priorities
The Bible teaches that being concerned, providing for the needs of, and creating equal opportunities for all is good governance. They could get guidance and expert advice from the United Nations (UN) Sustainable Goals. Arrogant leaders do not listen to good counsel.
Policies
Good leaders of a nation will bring policies and facilitate the education of all citizens. However, some leaders do not value education and are even afraid of intelligent people. It is no wonder that one nation has a minimum percentage of tax on luxury items like gold, but six times the tax on the printing of books. Even insurance premium is taxed, which discourages poor people from availing such services. While they spend money researching water on Mars, they fail to provide drinking water for all citizens.
Do I teach my nation that righteousness exalts a nation?