Unless you are very disciplined about avoiding the news, you must have noticed that we are approaching another General Election, in just under a month's time. Perhaps you've been getting election leaflets through the door, or reading manifestos, or doing your best to avoid the whole thing.
One of the many themes of the New Testament letters is that of Christians trying to find their place in the world, caught between the reality of the resurrection and the new realm to come, and the harder truth of a difficult political regime that stood against their values. The writer to the Colossians wrote of the impact of Christ's resurrection after receiving the death penalty for political rebellion,
[Christ] disarmed the rulers and authorities and made a public example of them, triumphing over them in it. - Colossians 3:15
Meaning, although there are powers on earth that we are bound to respect, our respect need not be limitless and we can also be governed by the role that the Holy Spirit plays in our lives and the example of Christ.
This does not mean that we can disregard the impact of earthly powers, of course. In the book of Acts we read repeatedly that Peter, Paul, Silas, and many others stood against injustice and prejudice as part of their role in spreading the Gospel. They understood that repression or persecution of any one person is contrary to the message of Christ.
As we go to the polls in a few weeks, many people will try to determine the "Christian" way to vote and claim it for their own political gain. It can be easy to be blindsided by people who claim Christ for their own purposes - it is tempting to do so ourselves - but instead of focusing on the narratives that surround us we should go to the polls in prayer. Take time with the Gospels to look at who Jesus supported and see how that reflects in the people seeking your vote. Pray deeply and listen carefully. It is our job to build the new realm of God on earth, and the opportunity to decide who governs us is a part of that; it is vital that we engage.
Blessings
Kate
One of the many themes of the New Testament letters is that of Christians trying to find their place in the world, caught between the reality of the resurrection and the new realm to come, and the harder truth of a difficult political regime that stood against their values. The writer to the Colossians wrote of the impact of Christ's resurrection after receiving the death penalty for political rebellion,
[Christ] disarmed the rulers and authorities and made a public example of them, triumphing over them in it. - Colossians 3:15
Meaning, although there are powers on earth that we are bound to respect, our respect need not be limitless and we can also be governed by the role that the Holy Spirit plays in our lives and the example of Christ.
This does not mean that we can disregard the impact of earthly powers, of course. In the book of Acts we read repeatedly that Peter, Paul, Silas, and many others stood against injustice and prejudice as part of their role in spreading the Gospel. They understood that repression or persecution of any one person is contrary to the message of Christ.
As we go to the polls in a few weeks, many people will try to determine the "Christian" way to vote and claim it for their own political gain. It can be easy to be blindsided by people who claim Christ for their own purposes - it is tempting to do so ourselves - but instead of focusing on the narratives that surround us we should go to the polls in prayer. Take time with the Gospels to look at who Jesus supported and see how that reflects in the people seeking your vote. Pray deeply and listen carefully. It is our job to build the new realm of God on earth, and the opportunity to decide who governs us is a part of that; it is vital that we engage.
Blessings
Kate
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