The election

 As we approach the general election on 4th July here are few biblical reflections:

1. We should all at least pray “for all those in authority” (1 Timothy 2.2).  We might pray for good health, sleep, and stress management for the candidates; for them to give a good and honest account during the campaign; and for God’s blessing and protection on whoever comes into post and their family.  Any leadership is tough, complex, and stressful, and though candidates may be driven in part by ego or power there is usually a desire to serve our country and I want to be thankful.  Whoever comes in Christians must respect (Romans 13.1-3).  If this was true of Christians under the tyrannic rule of Rome, it must be true of us, whatever we think of a Prime Minister’s politics, background, or lifestyle.  It’s all a lot more complex than is often presented in short news reports and with much we don’t know Christians should seek to be positive, supportive and give our leaders the benefit of the doubt. 

2.  I think it’s good to vote if you can.  We may be fed up, or think our vote won’t count, or we may not understand or be interested.  But it is a privilege (many around the world would fight for) to have a say in who leads us.  Also the government asks us to go and vote so we should unless it’s against our consciences.  By voting we’re not saying that a candidate is perfect, or we believe they can solve our countries problems (Psalm 146.3), or that we hate the other parties, or that we understand everything they are saying.  We’re not expecting them to be a Christian or that the views they hold will be Christian.  Jesus was neither right wing, nor left wing, nor in the centre.  He said “my kingdom is not from this world” (John 18.36) so we shouldn’t expect to find a political party in this world that fits.  Some things traditionally right wing like the importance of family, community, law and order we’ll like.  Some things traditionally more left wing like the need to love our neighbour, and support the oppressed and the poor we’ll like.  They’ll be much we won’t like or agree with (as voters and as Christians). 

• Think what issues you most care about (not just for you but for others and our country): old age care, young people, the economy, health care, small businesses, religious freedoms, policing, stability etc.      
• Listen generously to the candidates: the issues they care about, how they think they can address them, and the values that drive them as leaders.
• Find someone who you think will vote for a different party and ask them about it (not for an argument but to genuinely listen). 
• Pray and then go and vote on 4^th July.

3. Remember the ultimate “government is on Jesus shoulders” (Isaiah 9.6).  So don’t get too absorbed, or too worried, or pin too much hope on all this.  Don’t go falling out with Christians (in person or online) who vote differently.  “Seek first Jesus’ kingdom” (Matt 6.36).