The Federal election is now about 10 days away.

Woven through the campaign has been a discussion about the appropriateness of the candidate's personal values.

Actually I am not sure “discussion” is the right term, for it seems as though most have tried to avoid the topic (including the leaders of both major political parties). After all, it is hard to talk about values without being seen to be attacking at least one of the candidates.

However, a poll has revealed that the matter of values is an issue for a significant number of Australians.

Should this be so?

I want to highlight a principle that the Bible raises for church leaders, and then open up the question as to whether this principle applies more broadly.

1 Timothy 3 contains a list of characteristics for church leaders. The first surprising thing readers will notice is the focus of the list. With the sole exception of the ability to teach (1 Tim 3:2), the list highlights the character of the person.

At least in my experience, groups of leaders that read 1 Timothy 3 are almost always surprised that there is not more said on the abilities and gifts of the person.

Paul wrote this letter to guide Titus as he established the church on Crete. The bulk of the letter is devoted to helping him know what to teach. And yet the place it starts is with the importance of appointing elders, and their essential characteristics. Again, the focus is on their character.

I take it the reason for the principle is that who a leader is will have as much, if not more, of an impact than anything they teach, say or do.

With election day almost upon us, let's not shilly shally around and avoid a discussion about values.

While these passages are clearly talking about church leaders, does the same principle apply to our parliamentary representatives?