Johnny Cash’s haunting song Ghost Riders in the Sky has always resonated with me as a powerful metaphor and cautionary tale about the dire consequences of sin and the urgent need for repentance. You can listen to the song on YouTube and most music streaming services. Take a few minutes to listen carefully to the words.

Given that Cash later professed to be a Christian, it’s likely this was the message he intended to convey. Mark Powell, in his article “The Rise, Fall, and Redemption of Johnny Cash,” recounts how Cash, despite growing up in a Christian home, abandoned his faith after achieving fame and fortune. His life spiraled into darkness, marked by promiscuity, drugs, and the end of his marriage. However, Powell and those who knew Cash best testify that the Lord graciously drew him back to Himself. According to Powell, from that point on, Cash devoted the rest of his life to proclaiming Christ through his music, films, and public speaking.

Cash’s rendition of Ghost Riders in the Sky became a massive hit, peaking at number two on the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart. Released on April 1, 1979, the song tells the gripping tale of ghostly cowboys doomed to chase an elusive herd across stormy skies. It serves as a stark warning to a wayward cowboy: if he doesn’t change his ways, he will join the damned riders, forever condemned to “catch the Devil’s herd across these endless skies.”

While the song’s primary message is spiritual, I am using it as a metaphor for the concept of “ghost writers in the sky.”

The song’s imagery evokes the influence of unseen forces shaping the world, akin to ghostwriters who work in the background, crafting words, stories, and messages that others claim as their own. Much like the spectral cowboys riding across stormy skies in Cash’s song, AI exists invisibly in the digital realm. It operates in the “sky” of the cloud, generating content, ideas, and even entire articles and books—just like a ghostwriter whose hand remains unseen.

The Dangers of the AI Ghost Writer …

Dear Bill,

When I walked into this office just know I felt the same sense of wonder and respect that I felt four years ago. I know you will feel that, too.

I wish you great happiness here. I never felt the loneliness some Presidents have described. There will be very tough times, made even more difficult by criticism you may not think is fair. I'm not a very good one to give advice; but just don't let the critics discourage you or push you off course. You will be our President when you read this note. I wish you well. I wish your family well. Your success now is our country's success. I am rooting hard for you.

Good Luck, George

That is the letter that George H. W. Bush left on January 20, 1993, to Bill Clinton during Clinton's transition to the presidency.1 Many presidents have followed the practice of leaving a letter of encouragement and advice to their successor.

While it is customary for a departing president to leave a letter of advice for the incoming president, this is not customary for a departing school administrator, nor is it common for the incoming leader to seek guidance from the successful leader they’re succeeding. That is unfortunate, as both practices would benefit the new leader and the school he or she leads.

The scriptures tell us that wisdom lies in many counselors (Proverbs 11:14, 15:22, 24:6). One of your best sources of wisdom is the effective leader who came before you. They were successful for a reason and possess a wealth of knowledge that can prevent you from making mistakes and guide you toward success. Squandering this resource is like winning the lottery but refusing to claim your prize.

Assuming the former leader is available and willing, there are two reasons why an incoming leader may not seek the advice of the prior successful leader …

At the time of this writing, I do not know who will win the election. But, I am sure some will celebrate the results, while others will be disappointed, even despairing. Regardless of the outcome or whom we voted for, I am writing to encourage us to respond with hearts and minds at peace, trusting God, who ‘removes kings and sets up kings.’ I’m also writing to encourage us to show respect for all, neither gloating over nor demeaning the ‘other side.’

Elections and the Providence of God

In Ephesians 4:14, Paul warns us against being tossed back and forth by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine. While this verse explicitly addresses doctrinal stability, we can apply it to all life’s circumstances, including the outcome of an election. Though the world is frequently in turmoil with political strife, God calls his people to remain firmly anchored in an unwavering trust in His good and wise providence.

Providence is a word seldom used by contemporary Christians. That is unfortunate because understanding the doctrine of providence can bring peace to anxious hearts and minds.

Over my 35 years of experience in school leadership, I have observed three parenting styles: Exasperating, Excusing, and Empowering ... Parenting is a high-wire act that balances high expectations, support, and freedom with accountability so that children can learn from their successes and failures. 

 We live in an intense period of division and conflict in American society. Americans are increasingly segregated into blue and red camps, each loathing the other and convinced that the “other side” is evil and out to destroy the country. Many people do not put political stickers on their cars or political signs in their yards for fear of reprisal. Most would not wear a MAGA hat in a New York subway or a “Vote for Biden” t-shirt in the heart of Texas.

As our attention turns to the election of a President, the rhetoric and slander will heat up. Pundits will pour contempt on the “other side,” and social media will be a cesspool of conspiracy theories, mutual loathing, and AI-generated fake stories and videos. The media will focus on the political horse race instead of reasoned discussion around the critical issues facing Americans and our nation.

As the election approaches, we must step back from the alarmist agitation of 24-hour cable news, the anxiety of social media, and the hysterical hyperbole that dominates an election season. Let's pause and consider how we should conduct ourselves as responsible, engaged, and respectful Christian citizens.

The foundational principle upon which our Christian schools are built is teaching students to think biblically about everything. This begins with us. As Jesus said: “A student is not above his teacher, but everyone who is fully trained will be like his teacher" (Luke 6:39ff). We are all, in various ways, teachers for our children and our students. What we say and how we behave influences their thinking and behavior.

As we navigate this election year, I want to share a few biblical principles to guide our conduct as Christians. By following these principles, we can engage passionately and faithfully in the political process in a way that honors Christ, upholds the witness of the gospel, and is a godly example for our children and students.