Taking a gamble with your vote?
The date has still not been announced for the General Election, though it's likely to be May the 6th, whatever the date we can be sure it's getting closer. Too many of us will find the election upon us and one of the most important decisions we have to make looming large, while we are still largely unprepared. Very few people actually bother to read the various manifesto's of the political parties seeking our vote. Many will make their voting decision based on vague allegiances, historical loyalty or the impression gained from listening to brief sound-bites on the TV or radio.There is widespread disillusionment with politics and politicians, compounded by the abuse of expenses by some MP's and the lack of transparency over such things as the tax status of people who make significant donations to the major parties. Many people are put off by the ya-boo heckling and jeering often seen in televised snippets of exchanges in the House of Commons.
Time to get serious?
Yet when we stop and think about the scale of the decision we are making when we elect a new government it's plain that we should be treating it a little more seriously.
As Christians we urged to pray for those in authority over us. 1 Tim 2:1-4 I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone— for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Saviour, who wants all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth. now whilst we can.
If we take this instruction seriously then it seems to me that we need to dig beyond the sound bites, after all how will we know what to pray for otherwise? Do we want to encourage them in pursuing godly policies? Do we want them to repent of ungodly policies and change their manifesto's? How can we pray with wisdom if we are praying generalisations?
Research Time?
So lets take seriously our responsibility to pray for those in authority - our politicians and the government - lets get to grips with what it is that they say they are planning to do.
The Evangelical Alliance web site has some useful pages packed with information to help with this task :
Happy reading and here's to a Spirit led election!
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