Another week, another Prime Minister.
Will Malcolm Turnbull's flavour of the month already be leaving a sour taste as this article is published? With the way Australian politics are going, it's very possible!
Look, I'm not the biggest Abbot sympathiser. Nor was I of Rudd or Gillard. Actually, hard to remember the last time I was particularly inspired or proud of the politicians of Australia.
In fact, I was downright disgusted by Peter Dutton's heartless "joke" about our Pacific neighbours and the very real threat they face from climate change.
I feel a bit like the students depicted in the musical Les Miserables. Longing for a better day, for leadership who would bring in a better life for all people, especially the poor. Do you hear the people sing?
Envisioning ideal leadership for Australia
Well, here is the kind of leadership my heart sings for. I wonder if you feel the same.
I want a leadership who, when interviewed on television, will answer honestly and intelligently. I don't want catchy sound-bites and catchphrases designed to win the applause of a Q & A audience. I don't want a comical dance of words in response to a direct question.
I want a leadership who can listen to advice and constructive criticism, admit to mistakes and apologise with heartfelt authenticity, not butt-covering throat noises.
I want leadership who is more interesting in the advancement of the good of society than point-scoring against the Opposition. Convince me how GOOD you are, not how BAD the Opposition would be!
I want leadership who can act with civility – even courtesy – during Question Time, where name-calling and interrupting would be the highest offence, seen to be impeding the work of Parliament.
I want leadership which regards all people with the dignity they are owed, treating them as they would want to be treated. I doubt anyone would want to be locked up indefinitely if they were seeking asylum...how can our leaders, in good conscience, continue to allow this to happen?
If only we could arm our leadership with a metaphorical sword that would release all Government Departments from the red tape which holds it back from helpful progress.
Leadership which commit to the long-term good of society, rather than making (possibly hollow) promises in order to win hearts, votes and a job after the next election.
Leaders whose actions are not motivated by greed or perks of politics. Who would have the courage to recognise appropriate remuneration and gross, self-interested perks of the job at the expense of society.
Leadership which surrounds itself with expert opinions and commits to acting upon the truth it receives. Leadership which does not tolerate twisting of facts or omitting them.
Yes, my heart sings for good leadership for our country.
Where is Australia's leadership hero?
Australia – and its political parties – look for a Saviour who will win the hearts of the people, bring peace and prosperity, lift the poor out of their plight and make everything better.
Clearly few thought Tony Abbott could do it. Howard, Rudd and Gillard couldn't. And I seriously doubt Malcolm Turnbull will be the answer to our problems. But that's the problem. It can't fall on one person's shoulders or we have exactly the problem we've landed with – popularity, not good politics, wins.
So don't look to the Government and our Prime Minister, to be the ultimate solution to all society's problems. Indeed, as a Christian, I'm called to pray for them and recognise that God has put them in their positions.
The only leader in whom we have real hope
But the only one to whom we can look for ultimate peace, for salvation from the evil in this world, is, of course, Jesus. And he completely lost favour in the popularity polls. He refused to become the Messiah the Jews had envisioned, instead choosing to humble himself to the point of death on a cross.
Jesus didn't lose sight of the greater purpose for which he came; to defeat sin and evil by taking the world's sin on himself. It required him to take an ugly, unpopular path – and invite others to do the same. He sacrificed himself so that others could live.
So while we might pray for our leaders to be changed by the Spirit and live out their vocation in a way that sees them humble themselves for the sake of the people they serve... don't hang your hopes on them.
Instead, fix your eyes on Jesus; whose Leadership covers over all the Prime Ministers, Presidents and Kings of the world.
Sarah Urmston lives in Melbourne with her husband, Stephen. She loves God, her family, writing, colouring in, crochet, and creating lists. Sarah works full-time at home and tries to get out when her motivations, feeding schedules and nap times allow.
Sarah Urmston's previous articles may be viewed at http://www.pressserviceinternational.org/sarah-urmston.html