A recent Associated Press news release by Antonio Castaneda describes a genuine benefit for Iraq after being "conquered" by the United States, "But the U.S. soldiers, mindful that their eventual departure hinges on robust local governments, directed villagers to local officials and elected representatives—a mind-bending concept for Iraqis formerly accustomed to all power flowing from Saddam Hussein in Baghdad."

The news release explains that in modern Iraqi history villagers have not had a functioning local government to turn to for the myriad practical matters and problems facing the small towns—like school repairs and water treatment facilities. Since the American invasion in 2003 the locals have looked to the U.S. military as the new "power broker" to fix local problems. But since the elections soldiers are now placing the new local officials in the active limelight, while the troops themselves continue to assist in the repair of basic infrastructure.

The net result is a more invigorated and appropriately empowered populace. This generates a striking contrast with the past. The news release points out this contrast by citing Phebe Marr, author of The Modern History of Iraq, "In Saddam's Iraq, everyone was encouraged to look to the center—and to a lesser degree the party—for action."

But isn't that the trouble with totalitarian dictators? They want to dictate everything to everybody. Like a giant ego-vortex a dictator sucks all attention, adulation and power to his own violent and oppressive self.

The one truly freedom-loving Messiah had them pegged. "You know that the rulers of Gentiles [nations] lord it over them [their subjects], and those who are great exercise authority over them." Freedom doesn't thrive when folks are being "lorded over" and hammered by inconsiderate "authority" (Matthew 20:25).

Jesus Christ describes the right kind of leadership, "Yet it shall not be so among you; but whoever desires to become great among you, let him be your servant. And whoever desires to be first among you, let him be your slave..." Leaders who actually serve their people are not the stuff that dictators are made of!

But it is the stuff that Jesus Christ is made of. He continues, "... the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many." (Matthew 20:25-28) Imagine that, government actually "for" the people.

That is a radical, yet—when you think about it—a completely practical concept of leadership. It permits freedom to plan and achieve personal and community progress and accomplishment. Just think, it's like Jesus walking through the door and saying, "I'm from the government, and I'm here to help you"—honestly meaning that He will help you!

Christ is an exporter of true freedom—a much deeper freedom than any offered today. And when He returns to rule this earth He will begin by establishing citizen-oriented national and local governments everywhere. God has always worked through people, and His principles never change (Hebrews 13:8).

But there is an opportunity for local governmental oversight that you might be interested in. The Parable of the pounds (or minas—Greek coins) is a short story by Jesus teaching a lesson of truth and freedom. It reveals that in the cities of the millennial world—over which Jesus Christ will rule—local leaders will be appointed in the various regions, cities, towns and villages from those who have faithfully served Christ in this life. They will instill the concepts of true freedom, based on serving others instead of abusing them (Luke 19:13-27). Applicants for these positions, as the educators and trainers of loving leadership in the world to come, must be willing to change their minds and hearts now—from the inside out.

Such leadership calls for supreme, faithful dedication to God's truth—today! Not many are willing to take this challenge. But the opportunity is open. You could become a teacher of the truths that set people truly free (John 8:32). You could become an exporter of the golden freedom that will make the Statue of Liberty will look like a toy soldier by comparison!