Well, here we are in the midst of a Federal election - and all that goes with this event. As citizens of this great country, we have the inestimable privilege of identifying and electing the men and women who will lead us into the future.
The last outcome I want for "Barnabas Network" is that it should become politicized. I want Christians of all political persuasions to be able to relate to the overall content that is here. At the same time I want the freedom to make comments on things political.
For example, there are some issues in the lead-up to this election that I think are quite unique. A few weeks ago our then Prime Minister, a professing Christian and a regular attendee at his Church, as well as being committed to his wife and the traditional understanding of marriage, was removed from that high office by a political coup. The deputy leader became Prime Minister and she is now leading her party into the election.
The differences between the previous and present Prime Ministers are quite noteworthy - the least of which is that of gender! He is quite open about his Christian faith. She is quite open about being an atheist. He is very committed to traditional marriage. She is very committed to her de facto partnership.
In my mind, elections are decided more by personalities than policies. I have no doubt that there will be many people (with Christians numbered among them) who will not vote for our current Prime Minister because she has publicly acknowledged her atheism and/or because she will live in the Prime Minister's Lodge in a de facto relationship with her partner.
In the light of these two realities, the policies of her political party may become relatively insignificant. The big question for many now becomes one of morality (or immorality), and it sounds like this: "Given that our country was founded upon the Judeo-Christian faith, how can we vote for a national leader who holds to values that seem to deny our nation's moral and spiritual heritage?"
For my part, I commend our Prime Minister for her open statement regarding the fact that she does not believe in God. I appreciate her forthright integrity in this matter. I would rather have that kind of transparency in a national leader than the equivocation and duplicity of a potential leader who tried to avoid the question or mislead the public.
Yet there is an aspect to all of this that concerns me greatly as a disciple of Jesus Christ. I believe that there is a dynamic spiritual principle involved here and it's this:
"The values, priorities and practices of those who lead others inevitably flow to and influence the followers - for better or for worse".
To elect and welcome a person to the strategic role of Prime Minister - regardless of which political persuasion - is to give to him or her a level of authority (politicians call it 'a mandate') by which they can make quantum changes to the very psyche of the nation.
I accept and defend the right of the current PM to hold views that are atheistic. But that position is hers as an individual. Similarly, I accept her right of choice concerning her partner - de facto relationship over traditional marriage - even though I don't agree with it.
Yes, I will weigh the value of the policies of each party that is seeking the ultimate endorsement of being elected to govern our nation. But I believe that there is much more at stake here than mere 'policy promises'. The above observations raise a number of significant questions for me.
1. Can I in all conscience vote for a party whose leader denies the existence of the God from whom comes the very foundation of the Judeo-Christian faith and practice?
2. Then again, is it not possible that, while denying the existence of our God, our current Prime Minister embraces and seeks to practice many of the very values that we believers hold dear?
3. What might be my reaction if the alternative choice for Prime Minister was a professing Christian, married, but whose policies were, in some significant measure, in conflict with his/her professed beliefs and he/she had a track record of broken promises?
4. How 'Christian' can I reasonably expect political candidates to be? Say, for example, if I had a list of 10 basic 'Christian expectations', what would be a reasonable level of agreement between my 10 expectations and what was being offered by the various parties and leaders? 50%? 60%? 75%?
However, elections are just part of the overall political scene. They are important in that we, the general public, have the opportunity and privilege of exercising our democratic right to choose our representatives. We need to think and act 'Christianly' right through the term of office of the party elected, not just the election itself.
There are quite a number of Biblical passages that inform our understanding about such matters. I have selected just three.
Obey the government, for God is the one who put it there. All governments have been placed in power by God.So those who refuse to obey the laws of the land are refusing to obey God, and punishment will follow.For the authorities do not frighten people who are doing right, but they frighten those who do wrong. So do what they say, and you will get along well.The authorities are sent by God to help you. But if you are doing something wrong, of course you should be afraid, for you will be punished. The authorities are established by God for that very purpose, to punish those who do wrong. So you must obey the government for two reasons: to keep from being punished and to keep a clear conscience. (Rom 13:1-5 NLT)
For the Lord's sake, accept all authority — the king as head of state, and the officials he has appointed. For the king has sent them to punish all who do wrong and to honor those who do right. It is God's will that your good lives should silence those who make foolish accusations against you. You are not slaves; you are free. But your freedom is not an excuse to do evil. You are free to live as God's slaves. Show respect for everyone. Love your Christian brothers and sisters. Fear God. Show respect for the king. (1 Peter 2:13-17 NLT)
"Praise the name of God forever and ever,for he alone has all wisdom and power. He determines the course of world events; he removes kings and sets others on the throne. He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to the scholars. He reveals deep and mysterious things and knows what lies hidden in darkness, though he himself is surrounded by light. (Dan 2:20-22 NLT)
1. God is Sovereign. While that amazing truth in no way releases us from our responsibility to vote, it does assure us that the will of God will be done.
2. Some of the above statements are very difficult for us to accept and believe. For example, Paul says that all governments have been put into power by God. When I see the way some governments act, I struggle to understand why God put them in power and, more to the point, why He leaves them in power! My part is to receive these truths, ponder their implications and seek ways to let them shape my thoughts and actions as we approach this election.
