A fortnight each.

Just last week, Mr. George Yeo, former Foreign Minister and MP for Aljunied, announced he might attempt to stand for presidency. He gave himself 2 weeks to consider.

The past Sunday, the church voted, and a decision was made to call Uncle Nam Tuck as pastor of our church. He is to answer within 2 weeks.

It's here that much of the parallels between the situations of these two leaders end (yes, they are already leaders, even before they are confirmed into their respective positions). There are a great many differences, here are a few.

First, God's calling for Elder Chong Nam Tuck to serve in the church is very much clearer. He has already served several years in the church, and has much love for the people of God. To accept the call to be a pastor is but a step further in his commitment. George Yeo, on the other hand, has to decide between attempting to stand because of a wide range of encouragement from the people, and sticking to his earlier decision to quit politics (which many online critics prefer). Even if he stands, he may not win the votes to become president.

The two men differ a lot in ability. George Yeo has vast experience dealing with his foreign counterparts, as well as in depth knowledge of Singapore's economy. He is more than qualified to be president (assuming that a claim to be non-partisan is not lambasted in the media). Elder Chong, on the other hand, struggled through his theology course. He readily admits his incompetence, and reliance on the grace of God to understand concepts. If he accepts the call, he knows he will need much more divine blessing. (Then again, which good minister would be useful, were it not for God's unmerited favour?)

The minimum level of commitment demanded from a president of Singapore is, in reality, not very high. He may or may not put his heart into his job, though he is usually expected to live an exemplary life. Each terms lasts up to 5 years. Thereafter he may step down. It would only be some hassle to replace the photos of him and his wife in every government building. In contrast, accepting the call to be a pastor is practically a lifelong commitment. Jesus said, 'No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for the kingdom of God' and this truth resounds acutely for ministers. So many ministers, unable to preach because of health reasons, retire to write words of edification to their flocks. Likewise Elder Chong must be prepared by the Holy Spirit to work all the way until God calls him home.

Next, the support Uncle Nam Tuck gets is almost unanimous amongst the people he serves. He is in a position to satisfy much of the church's needs, and the people recognise that - and the genuine concern he has for the church. This, again, is underwritten by grace. By divine providence, the Lord has opened a great many doors to prepare him, as it were. It seems God is answering 'yes' to the prayers of the church. George Yeo's position is less tenable. Kings (and presidents) are in the hand of the Almighty Ruler, and He chooses who to give authority to. However, at this point Mr. George Yeo is probably less concerned with the Creator's will than struggling to define his ambitions and what is politically correct.

Altogether, I hope this has emphasized the difference between serving God and serving the country. Both are worthy callings, however schools teach leadership as though they were similar everywhere. Yet to be a pastor requires grace beyond measure. I hope you pray for Uncle Nam Tuck too, for the Lord hears the cry of His people.