I have read and listened to many opinions over the past 6 weeks, but refrained from adding another voice to the conversations. I find myself in sympathy with many of those who have expressed real concerns about the conduct of the Election campaign (where truth has often been the casualty), about the character of some of our leaders, and about what the future might look like under our new Government. And I am personally deeply saddened by the loss of our own excellent former MP, Sue Hayman - Labour MP for Workington - who many of us reckoned was an outstanding constituency MP as well as a passionate champion for the environment.
We need to think deeply, once again, about what it means to be 'Christian' in this new-old world. There is nothing new about political turmoil, either in history or in different parts of the world today. The first disciples of Jesus lived under brutal Roman oppression, where elite religious leaders and grassroots revolutionaries vied for their attention. Many of our Christian brothers and sisters live under persecution. There is much to be thankful for!
The call of Jesus is an invitation to raise our sights to the Government which is to come, when God's Kingdom is finally established and heaven comes to earth. Some Christians will be called to political activity and/or protest. God knows we need Christian politicians, whose character is consistent with their message!
For most Christians, however, our calling is simply to live faithfully wherever we are, and whatever we are doing - faithful to Jesus and to each other. We are called to live compassionately and generously, with truth and justice as our hallmarks. We are called to invite others to side with us, not for any political party but, humbly in repentance and faith, for the common good.
As I have prayed, and led others in prayer, two Scriptures seem to be particularly appropriate:
Psalm 131
1 My heart is not proud, Lord,
my eyes are not haughty;
I do not concern myself with great matters
or things too wonderful for me.
2 But I have calmed and quietened myself,
I am like a weaned child with its mother;
like a weaned child I am content.
my eyes are not haughty;
I do not concern myself with great matters
or things too wonderful for me.
2 But I have calmed and quietened myself,
I am like a weaned child with its mother;
like a weaned child I am content.
3 Israel, put your hope in the Lord
both now and for evermore.
both now and for evermore.
Philippians 4.4-8
4 Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: rejoice! 5 Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. 6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
8 Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable – if anything is excellent or praiseworthy – think about such things.
And these words from Richard Rohr resonate with me:
People who live with faith in the midst of darkness never
stop growing, are not easily defeated, are wise and compassionate, and,
frankly, fun to be with. They have a quiet and confident joy.
It is not unknown for the Church to flourish, and its impact to be greatest, when a nation is in crisis!
Let nothing disturb thee, nothing
affright thee;
all things are passing: God never
changeth!
Patient endurance attaineth to all
things;
who God possesseth in nothing is
wanting;
alone God sufficeth. St Teresa of Avila.
