This is a copy of my article for my church's May magazine.
At the time of writing, the General Election is fast
approaching. At your time of
reading, it will loom even closer or possibly may have passed. Either way, it is a significant time in
the life of the United Kingdom.
I confess to feeling a little disenfranchised in our
Buckingham Constituency. We have
the privilege of having House of Commons Speaker, John Bercow, as our Member
of Parliament. However, convention
dictates that the main political parties do not field candidates out of respect
for the office of Speaker and to ensure that he is re-elected. It could be tempting not to bother to
use our vote, since the result is a foregone conclusion. That would be to fail to exercise our
hard-won right to vote and to forget that there are also local elections taking
place.
What can we do when it comes to the elections? What does the Bible have to say?
Firstly, we can show
concern. In 1 Timothy 2v1-2,
we are urged to pray for ‘all those in authority’. The task of politician is often a thankless one, but they
need our prayers whether or not they are people of faith. To be honest, we need our prayers too –
it reminds us that government is essential for the order of society. Of course, our prayers should not only
be at the present time but all the time!
Secondly, we can show
respect. Romans 13v1 says,
‘Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no
authority except that which God has established.’ We will not always agree with those in government, we will
sometimes need to oppose, but if we are indifferent we show a lack of respect
for the authority that God has allowed.
Thirdly, we can show
up! It could be said that the
government we get is the government we deserve. The more people who vote, the more will our government reflect
the will of the people. Also, when
we vote we earn the right to criticise and hold to account our elected
representatives, be they Member of Parliament or local councillors.
Finally, we can show
interest. It’s a bit late for
this set of elections, but it would be great to have members of our church
having the conviction to stand for election in the future. Take a look at www.christiansinpolitics.org.uk
and, in particular, the ‘Show Up’ video. It’s very thought-provoking.
As we vote, and as the make-up of our new government becomes
clear, may God’s kingdom come and God’s will be done, on earth as in heaven.
